Wine and Fine Lodgings in Hawkes Bay

“It seems everyone in Hawkes Bay on the east coast of New Zealand needs a winery.  Inspect any wine map of this bountiful region and the place appears alive with wineries, some with attached accommodation,” writes Ralph Bestic in an article for The Australian Financial Review, in which he shares some of the best wineries/accommodations.

On his trip to New Zealand he met Greg Collinge of Millar Road Lodge, which sits “on the crest of a gently sloping vine-laden hill adjacent to a sweet-smelling pine forest” and “is an unfussy mix of converted barn style and nostalgia-rich holiday home,” writes Bestic.

Bestic also visited “global superstar” The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, which “is best known because of its owner, the 89-year-old Wall Street fund manager and extraordinarily generous philanthropist Julian Robertson.”

While Kidnappers is not a wine lodge, it “does boast a wine heritage and impeccable pedigree as a one-time local winery owner,” writes Bestic, and it “must not be missed.” It’s farm-themed luxury on the working farm that offers tours.

Bestic’s next stop was Craggy Range, which overlooks the Tuki Tuki Valley. The Craggy Range Cottage, one of several lodges, is “set behind a security gate within its own grounds – with views back to the winery and over the river.” “Te Mata Peak looms over the estate, and is worth climbing. It’s best to drive up as far as you can and then stand bent into the wind to view the winery far below,” writes Bestic.

The last stop on his visit was Black Barn Vineyards, which “17 self-contained and unique properties dotted about the Tuki Tuki Valley and vineyards.”

“Overlooking the valley, schist stone-built externally and timber-supported internally, the lodge has huge windows and deep sofas inviting lounging around the open fire.”

To read more about Bestic’s trip, please click here.

Article Source: Australian Financial Review, Ralph Bestic, November 9, 2016
Image Source: Wikipedia