Mission Estate Winery

The story of Mission Estate begins with a group of French Missionaries who sailed to New Zealand in 1838 with little more than their faith and a few vines. ​Mission Estate was established by these Missionaries in Hawke’s Bay in 1851, where vines were planted to produce sacramental and table wine and so New Zealand’s first winery was born. 

Mission has never lost sight of its French heritage, as over the years Brothers of the Order have travelled to France to study and learn viticulture and winemaking skills.  Current winemaker Paul Mooney has been at Mission for over 30 years, and was originally trained by the Fathers. 

As you make your way along the driveway there is still one row of Muscat grapes that have been grafted over the years from the original stock bought to Hawke’s Bay by the Marist Fathers.

The winery is housed in an elegantly restored seminary building nestling in the Taradale hills and offers visitors sweeping views of the vineyards and coast beyond. The cellar door provides an opportunity to taste from an extensive range of wines in truly historic & beautiful surroundings.

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Savour the Mission Estate experience with Tour Napier

All of the tours shown either feature Mission Estate in their standard itinerary or can be included on request.