VINEYARDS

Mission Estate's vineyards span two of New Zealand’s best winegrowing regions; Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough and sourcing from a third in deep south of New Zealands South Island in the  Central Otago region.

The principle Hawkes Bay vineyards lie on gentle slopes over the “Gimblett Gravels”, a strictly-controlled regional designation reflecting the individual nature of the geology and micro-climate. The estate also has growing partners who contribute to the varieties available from the area

Mission Estate has invested heavily in modern vineyard management techniques to produce optimal conditions that measure up to some of the best in the world – and is proudly a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand operates under the Sustainable Winegrowers New Zealand (SWNZ) while retaining a flavour profile that is distinctively New Zealand. 

At the same time, Mission Estate has been a pioneer in their commitment to sustainability and use of technology, minimising their carbon footprint, water usage and energy consumption.

Mission Estate now makes some of New Zealand’s finest wines in the most energy efficient, sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.

There is even a 360 live cam looking over the  winery and vineyards towards the suburbs of Napier. Check it out for yourself

REGIONS

Hawke’s Bay, North Island

Located on the East coast of the North Island is Hawke’s Bay, the oldest wine-growing region in New Zealand.  The temperate, maritime climate encourages slow, full ripening while the alluvial deposits, gravel drainage and gentle slopes bring out the best acidity in the fruit, especially from the Chardonnay – delivering characteristically fresh, vibrant whites and rich fruity reds from Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals. 

Marlborough, South Island

To the North of the South Island, lies the Marlborough wine-growing region, where the climate is sunny and drier than most of New Zealand, but the temperature drops at night.  The cooler nights are ideal for grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir and help concentrate the fruit beautifully. The Cable Station Road vineyard in Awatere Valley sits on a rich soil made up of alluvial deposits of eroded greywacke and volcanic elements brought down from the higher ground.

Central Otago, South Island

Central Otago is a spectacular region of valleys and lakes surrounded by mountains in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island.  The Dunston Basin near Alexandra, a slightly warmer part in the south, may be the most southerly wine-producing region in the World. While the first vines were planted in the 1860s, it wasn’t until the 1990s that wine production started to take off. It’s global reputation for exceptionally intense expressions of Pinot Noir has been growing steadily as the vines reach their true potential.

PAUL MOONEY

Paul Mooney has been producing fantastic wines with Mission Estate for over 40 years now. He was heavily influenced by French viticultural traditions in which he was trained by his mentor Brother John.

Paul stresses that their continuous improvement in quality is driven by a focus on sustainability, technology and research – and that New Zealand is probably the best place in the World to grow Sauvignon Blanc.

The 2007 Mission Reserve Syrah named by Michael Cooper, as the 'best wine buy' and 'best red wine' for 2009. It also won a “Pure Gold” medal at the 2008 Air New Zealand Wine Awards – only given to sustainably produced wines - and a Blue Gold medal at the 2008 Sydney International Wine Awards.