Napier: Afternoon Winery Tour Tasting at 3 Great Wineries

Planning a wine-tasting day in Hawke’s Bay? You’ve probably come across the Napier Afternoon Winery Tour offered by Vines and Views Tours. This five-hour experience promises visits to three renowned wineries, a bonus stop at Silky Oaks Chocolates, and plenty of opportunities to sip, learn, and relax. We’ve sifted through countless reviews and details to give you an honest, comprehensive look at what this tour offers—and whether it’s worth your time.

What we love about this experience is the expert guide who makes each stop engaging, the stunning vineyard scenery that makes every sip feel special, and the variety of wines that showcase Hawke’s Bay’s diversity. Plus, a complimentary cheese board and a souvenir glass add real value to the package. The only potential downside? It’s a group tour, so if you prefer complete exclusivity or a custom experience, this might not be your best fit.

This tour suits wine lovers eager to explore multiple estates, visitors wanting a guided overview of Hawke’s Bay’s wine scene, or those combining wine with a sweet treat at Silky Oaks. It’s a thoughtful mix of education, tasting, and scenic enjoyment, perfect for first-timers and seasoned oenophiles alike.

Key Points

• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights.
• Multiple wineries offer a broad taste of Hawke’s Bay’s reds and whites.
• The scenic drive and historic sites add context and beauty.
• Value for money given the number of tastings, cheese, and souvenirs.
• The tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired or wheelchair users.
• Timing is flexible, returning between 5:30 pm and 6 pm, ideal for an afternoon escape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Napier Winery Tour

This guided tour is designed to give you a well-rounded taste of the Hawke’s Bay wine region in just a few hours. It hits three key wineries, highlights regional specialties, and ends on a sweet note at Silky Oaks Chocolates. Here’s what you can expect at each stage.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with a pickup in Napier, where a comfortable, modern minivan whisks you away. The reviews repeatedly mention how clean, modern, and well-maintained the transport is, making the journey part of the comfort rather than a chore. The small group size means you get a more personalized experience, and the guide’s commentary makes the drive as entertaining as the stops.

Mission Estate Winery: A Historic Start

Your first stop is Mission Estate, established back in 1851—making it New Zealand’s oldest winery. Housed in a charming Victorian mansion, the tasting room has a spectacular view of the vineyards and is a fitting first impression of Hawke’s Bay’s winemaking legacy. Expect to sample 4 to 7 wines, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, which are prominent in the region.

Reviewers note that the staff here are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing stories about the estate’s history and the nuances of their wines. The spectacular setting and the chance to taste a variety of wines make it a popular start. One reviewer fondly mentioned a Malbec they particularly enjoyed, a bit unusual for the region but indicative of the estate’s range.

Oak Avenue & Pask Estate: Scenic Drives & Unique Offerings

After Mission Estate, the tour drives down Oak Avenue, famous for its magnificent trees planted in 1874. This scenic route is often highlighted as a picturesque moment, with some reviews mentioning the “beautiful drive” and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Next, the group visits Pask Estate, where recent renovations have elevated the tasting room’s design. Notably, Pask holds a notable collection of aged wines, giving enthusiasts a chance to sample wines with some bottle age—a rare find in this region. Guests appreciate the friendly hosts and the chance to learn about wine aging and storage.

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Gimblett Gravels Road and Grape Growing Discussion

A key feature of this tour is the visit to Gimblett Gravels Road, a famous wine-growing region. Here, your guide—a retired grape grower—leads a discussion on grape growing techniques and the qualities of the Gimblett Gravels terroir. Reviewers often mention how this insight adds depth to their tasting experience, helping them understand why certain wines taste the way they do.

Trinity Hill Estate: The Tasting Finale with Cheese

The final vineyard stop is Trinity Hill Estate, located in the heart of the Gimblett Gravels. You’ll enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting of reds and whites—particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Bordeaux blends. What makes this stop stand out is the complimentary cheese board, which perfectly complements the wines and adds a delightful touch.

Guests frequently describe Trinity Hill as offering “excellent wines” and a “beautiful tasting room,” with many saying this was a highlight. The cheese platter, shared in the vineyard, makes for a relaxed, convivial end to the tour, with some reviewers mentioning the friendly staff and great wine.

Silky Oaks Chocolates: A Sweet Ending

A quick visit to Silky Oaks Chocolates caps off the afternoon. Here, you can indulge in delicious handcrafted chocolates and other sweet treats. Reviewers rave about the variety and quality of products, making it a perfect place to pick up souvenirs or just enjoy a little extra indulgence.

Returning to Napier

The tour wraps up with a comfortable return drive, with most guests back in Napier by early evening, typically between 5:30 pm and 6 pm. The reviews highlight how smooth and well-organized the whole process is, with many noting the friendly guide and the informative commentary that made the day both enjoyable and educational.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the included tastings, cheese, chocolates, and the guided experience, many reviewers feel this tour offers excellent value for money. One guest even mentioned that the wine at Brookfields and Chuch Road was some of the best Chardonnay they’d tasted, and the guide’s knowledge enriched every sip.

The tour’s length and pace are well-balanced—enough time at each estate without feeling rushed. Plus, the small group size ensures a more personal, engaging experience. The expert guide, Ross, is frequently praised for his friendliness, humor, and deep regional knowledge, which makes even those unfamiliar with wine feel comfortable.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The duration is five hours, which is perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
• The cost includes multiple tastings, a cheese platter, chocolates, and a souvenir glass, making it quite comprehensive.
• It’s best suited for adults with an interest in wine, but not ideal for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as noted in the activity details.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around wineries and scenic drives.
• The itinerary may vary slightly due to seasonal winery hours, but the core stops are usually consistent.

Final Thoughts: Is It For You?

This tour is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a well-rounded introduction to Hawke’s Bay wines. If you value knowledgeable guides, enjoy scenic drives, and love tasting different wines paired with good food, you’ll find this experience both enjoyable and educational. The blend of history, scenery, and wine makes it perfect for first-time visitors or those looking to deepen their appreciation.

For travelers who prefer more exclusivity or want to customize their experience, a private option might be better. But for those happy to share the fun with a small group, this tour offers a great balance of value, education, and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit three wineries—Mission Estate, Pask Estate, and Trinity Hill Estate—plus a stop at Silky Oaks Chocolates.

What wines will I taste?
Expect between 4 and 7 wines at each winery, including popular varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Bordeaux blends.

Is lunch included?
No, but a cheese board is provided at Trinity Hill to accompany the tastings.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
No, this experience is designed for adults interested in wine tasting, and it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as some walking around winery grounds is involved.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

This guided tour offers a well-crafted introduction to Hawke’s Bay’s wine landscape, with friendly guides, scenic drives, and a solid tasting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just enjoy a good glass now and then, it’s a chance to explore, learn, and indulge in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions.

You can check availability for your dates here: