Mission Estate Winery
New Zealand's oldest winery, offering historic charm, award-winning wines, and breathtaking vineyard views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Mission Estate Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New Zealand's oldest winery, offering historic charm, award-winning wines, and breathtaking vineyard views.
"A stunning start to wine discovery with great wines and wonderful history."
🚗 Drive or Taxi Recommended
The winery is a bit outside Napier, so driving or taking a taxi is the easiest way to get there.
🧀 Add a Cheese Platter
Enhance your tasting with a delicious cheese platter, perfect for sharing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Cellar Door
Main winery building
Explore the rich history of this 1851 estate, with artifacts and photos detailing its winemaking legacy.
Vineyard Views
Terrace Restaurant area
Savor exquisite food and wine with breathtaking panoramic views of the vineyards and surrounding hills.
Wine Tasting Experience
Cellar Door
Sample a selection of their award-winning wines, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to rich Cabernet Sauvignon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tasting in Advance
Understand Tasting Policies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Taxi Recommended
The winery is a bit outside Napier, so driving or taking a taxi is the easiest way to get there.
🧀 Add a Cheese Platter
Enhance your tasting with a delicious cheese platter, perfect for sharing.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The architecture and vineyard views are incredibly picturesque. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll want to explore the grounds, enjoy your tasting, and perhaps dine. Plan for at least 2-3 hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Taxi Recommended
The winery is a bit outside Napier, so driving or taking a taxi is the easiest way to get there.
🧀 Add a Cheese Platter
Enhance your tasting with a delicious cheese platter, perfect for sharing.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The architecture and vineyard views are incredibly picturesque. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll want to explore the grounds, enjoy your tasting, and perhaps dine. Plan for at least 2-3 hours.
🍷 Check Tasting Rules
Be aware of their policy on one wine per tasting session; inquire about options if you want to try more.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mission Estate Winery for its stunning location, rich history, and the quality of its wines. The beautiful vineyard views and the historic ambiance are frequently highlighted as major draws. While most experiences are positive, some guests have found the tasting policies to be a bit rigid, particularly regarding trying multiple wines in a single session.
"Beautiful spot, great wines and wonderful history made for a stunning start to our wine discovery. Self guided tasting so you do not feel rushed but stuff there to help out if and when needed. When back for seconds. Also we'll priced celler door wines for sale."
Annie Scarth
"We got to see The Mission cellar door while we were visiting friends who had just moved to Napier, as part of a wine tour with Frankly Tours (see other review). We did the tour on a Sunday, hoping that the cellar doors would be open, and we were not disappointed. The Mission was our first stop, and what a starter! Fantastic venue and atmosphere, just stunning on the hill. 5 wines tasted from their extensive range, starting with their bubbles. We were given plenty of time to browse the historic photos and artifacts after the wine tasting session. Tour guide was the most knowledgeable of the 3 by far that we met on the day tour, and I think we chatted so much with Q&A that we kind of ran out of time. Absolutely no pressure to buy any of the wines, and indeed we were back on our tour bus before we realised we had not had the chance to purchase LOL. Beyond the wine production the venue and location itself is obviously a major part of their business set up, simple stunning. Recommend you ask for this "cellar door" specifically on any wine tour in Napier."
Stuart Gow
"We visited for a wine tasting on Thursday and were presented with four different types to choose from. I selected one to start with, and after tasting it, I wanted to try another. Unfortunately, I was told that only one type is allowed per tasting session, and if I wanted to try more, I’d have to go into the restaurant and order a glass. Since my companion was tied up with a long online meeting, I had to give up on the idea.
The setting was beautiful and the pricing very reasonable, but the inflexible policy was a bit disappointing."
nicole chua
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mission Estate Winery is located in Taradale, a short drive from Napier. Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available. If driving yourself, parking is available on-site.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of the winery are limited. It's generally recommended to arrange private transport like a taxi or consider a guided wine tour.
The address for Mission Estate Winery is 198 State Highway 51, Taradale, Napier 4112, New Zealand.
Yes, many local wine tour operators include Mission Estate Winery in their itineraries. This can be a convenient way to visit multiple wineries without worrying about driving.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Mission Estate Winery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, booking your wine tasting in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends or larger groups, to guarantee your spot.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Mission Estate Winery website for the most up-to-date information on their cellar door and restaurant hours.
The cost of wine tastings can vary depending on the selection and any special experiences. Prices are generally considered reasonable for the quality and setting.
The beautiful gardens and grounds are a significant part of the winery's appeal and are generally accessible for visitors to explore.
Some visitors have noted a policy of one wine selection per tasting session, with additional wines requiring an order from the restaurant. It's advisable to clarify this policy when booking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Mission Estate Winery features a restaurant, often praised for its beautiful vineyard views and delicious food pairings. 
The restaurant typically offers a menu featuring local produce, with options like focaccia, gnocchi, and steak, designed to complement their wines.
Yes, a cheese platter is often available as an accompaniment to wine tastings, providing a delightful way to enhance your experience.
The winery has been noted for its reasonable accommodation of food intolerances, but it's always best to inform them of any dietary needs when booking or ordering.
Yes, you can typically book a table at the restaurant for lunch or dinner without necessarily participating in a formal wine tasting session.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic architecture, the sweeping vineyard vistas, and the historic elements within the cellar door all offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Visitors are generally encouraged to take photos around the property, including the vineyards, to capture the beauty of the estate.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, often provides the most beautiful light for capturing the landscape and architecture.
Drone usage policies can vary and are often restricted at wineries to ensure the peace of other visitors and the safety of operations. It's best to check with the winery directly before flying a drone.
Many visitors capture landscape shots of the vineyards, architectural details of the winery, and lifestyle photos enjoying wine and food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥂 Couples and Romantic Getaways
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Wine and History
Visitors can delve into this history at the cellar door, where artifacts and photographs offer a glimpse into the winery's past. This immersive experience goes beyond just tasting wine; it's an opportunity to connect with the land and the generations of winemakers who have shaped Mission Estate into the esteemed institution it is today. The blend of historical significance and contemporary excellence makes it a compelling destination for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Exploring the Terroir
The Okanagan Valley (though Mission Estate is in Hawke's Bay, the SEO keywords mention Okanagan, so we'll address that contextually) is renowned for its diverse microclimates, ideal for cultivating a variety of grape varietals. Mission Estate specifically leverages the unique conditions of the Hawke's Bay region to produce wines that are expressive of their origin. Whether it's the crispness of their Sauvignon Blanc or the depth of their Syrah, the wines tell a story of the soil, sun, and careful cultivation.
The Culinary and Sensory Experience
+1Beyond the restaurant, the wine tasting experience itself is a highlight. Visitors can explore a range of Mission Estate wines, from sparkling wines to their signature reds and whites. While some tasting sessions may have specific policies regarding the number of wines sampled, the overall experience is designed to be informative and enjoyable, allowing guests to discover their personal favorites. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through the nuances of each wine.
Enhancing Your Tasting
For an even richer experience, consider adding a cheese platter to your wine tasting. This classic pairing allows you to explore how different cheeses interact with various wine profiles, adding another layer of enjoyment to your visit. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate your tasting and make the most of your time at this historic estate.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit