Mission Estate Winery, Napier (must see)

Mission Estate Winery, located in Napier’s Taradale suburb, is celebrated as New Zealand’s oldest surviving winemaking operation. Founded in 1851 by French Catholic Marist missionaries, the estate began with the purpose of producing sacramental wine. These early missionaries introduced viticulture to the Hawke’s Bay region by planting vineyards at their original mission station in Pakowhai. In 1858, the mission relocated to Meeanee, where it continued expanding with the construction of a church, school, and residence halls. By 1870, the mission recorded its first commercial wine sale, marking the beginning of its transformation into a significant player in the region’s wine industry.

In 1880, the missionaries built the two-storey Grand House at Meeanee, serving as a seminary. As demand grew, the mission acquired a large 325-hectare plot in Taradale in 1897 and began planting more vineyards. After major flooding in 1909, the estate operations were moved to the Taradale site. In a remarkable feat, the wooden Grand House was cut into 11 pieces and transported over two days in 1911 to its new hillside location. Tragedy struck in 1931 when the devastating Hawke’s Bay earthquake caused damage to the estate and destroyed the stone chapel, claiming nine lives.

Today, Mission Estate Winery is a major presence in New Zealand’s wine industry and remains wholly New Zealand-owned. It underwent substantial expansion in the early 2000s, with new facilities opening in 2007 to increase production. In addition to its historical and viticultural appeal, the winery has become known for hosting large-scale events. In 2010, the estate held The Motown Event in tribute to Michael Jackson, featuring legendary acts such as The Temptations and Martha Reeves, cementing its role as both a cultural and oenological landmark.

Visitors to Mission Estate can enjoy guided tastings of its wines, explore the beautifully preserved Grand House, and dine at the estate’s restaurant with sweeping views over the vineyards and the surrounding countryside.