Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is where old-school cool meets new-world charm, and where some of our finest bottles are born. Since the late ’70s, its varied soils and maritime climate have given us the perfect stage for icons like Patriarch and Irongate. Bordeaux-style reds and stunning chardonnays with bold flavour, polished edges, and just the right amount of attitude.

Location

The locations of our five Hawke’s Bay vineyard estates are centred on Bridge Pa triangle and the globally renowned Gimblett Gravels sub-appellation of Hawke’s Bay – which as the name suggests is famous for the incredibly stony composition of its soils (if you could call it soil). Each vineyard site has been strategically selected for its ability to deliver remarkable diversity and intensity of flavour, which can then be blended into our desired wine styles.

Prestige with ease

From Hawke’s Bay, we craft wines of stature — without the stiffness. Patriarch and Irongate are born of exceptional sites and decades of experience, offering depth, elegance, and a quiet confidence. They’re serious wines, shaped with care, yet grounded in the simple pleasure of sharing something truly special.

Varieties

Hawke’s Bay is red wine country; think bold, expressive Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet blends with real swagger. But it’s no one-trick pony. Chardonnay thrives here too, with finesse and depth. Babich coaxes out the best in every variety, letting this sun-drenched region’s natural balance and beauty shine through.

Climate

Hawke’s Bay knows how to set the stage for great wine. Long, golden summers coax the grapes along, while mild winters give the vines a well-earned rest. With more than 2,000 hours of sunshine a year — tempered by cool Pacific breezes — the fruit ripens slowly, holding onto its freshness while building layers of flavour.
It’s nature’s version of slow cooking, and the results speak for themselves.