Napier: Wine and Gin Tasting Tour With Lunch

Situated in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, Napier’s wine and gin tasting tour with lunch offers a delightful blend of flavors and experiences. Guests will embark on a 5.5-hour journey, starting with a gourmet platter at the historic Mission Estate Restaurant. Guided by an expert vineyard manager, they’ll dive into comprehensive wine tastings and a unique gin experience at the National Gin Distillery. With insightful commentary and a chance to savor the region’s renowned beverages, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for both wine and gin enthusiasts. But what makes this tour truly extraordinary is the way it seamlessly combines the rich history and flavors of Hawke’s Bay, leaving visitors yearning to uncover more.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Napier.

Key Points

• This 5.5-hour tour explores the renowned wine region of Hawkes Bay, including a comprehensive wine tasting and a gin tasting experience.
• The tour starts with a gourmet platter and wine at the historic Mission Estate Restaurant, followed by a wine tasting at Mission Cellars.
• Participants will visit the National Gin Distillery for a gin tasting, and the final stop is Askerne Estate for wine, cheese, and biscuit sampling.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable vineyard-manager guide, who provides insightful commentary on the local wine and gin production throughout the experience.
• The tour is suitable for adults with a good level of mobility, and dietary accommodations can be made with prior notice.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Napier Wine and Gin Tasting Tour with Lunch offers visitors a comprehensive 5.5-hour experience, allowing them to explore the rich winemaking history and thriving gin distillery scene in the Hawkes Bay region.

Priced from $117.87 per person, the tour includes pickup from the hotel lobby, a live English-speaking guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the itinerary include a gourmet platter with wine at the historic Mission Estate Restaurant, a comprehensive wine tasting at Mission Cellars, and a gin tasting at the National Gin Distillery.

The tour also features a visit to Askerne Estate for wine, cheese, and biscuits, along with insights from a vineyard manager guide.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with a gourmet platter and glass of wine at Mission Estate Restaurant, New Zealand’s oldest winery that was established in 1851.

Guests will then enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting at Mission Cellars, where they’ll learn about the history of the Mission House.

Next, the tour heads to The National Gin Distillery in Ahuriri, located in the historic National Tobacco Building, for a gin tasting experience.

The final stop is Askerne Estate, where visitors can sample wines, cheeses, and biscuits while learning about the estate’s grape-growing practices.

Throughout the day, the vineyard-manager guide provides insightful commentary on the wine business in Hawkes Bay.

Inclusions

The tour includes all tasting fees and a luncheon platter with a glass of wine. Participants also receive complimentary water in the air-conditioned vehicle, and the vineyard-manager guide provides insightful commentary on the wine business in Hawkes Bay throughout the day.

The guided experience offers a rundown of the region’s wine and gin production, allowing visitors to explore the history, cultivation, and craftsmanship behind these local beverages. From tastings at the iconic Mission Estate to the modern National Gin Distillery, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Napier’s thriving beverage scene.

Travelers can expect a seamless, value-packed day filled with gourmet bites, expert insights, and the chance to indulge in the area’s finest wines and gins.

Participant Information

Generally, the wine and gin tasting tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the venues visited.

However, dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice to the tour provider.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking between various wineries and distilleries.

The tour is aimed at adults and may not be suitable for young children.

The tour provider recommends that participants have a good level of mobility to fully enjoy the experience.

Advance notice of any special requirements or needs is encouraged to ensure the tour meets the participants’ needs and expectations.

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Customer Reviews

Based on the 50 customer reviews, the wine and gin tasting tour has earned an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5, indicating overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants.

The tour’s guide was particularly well-received, earning a 4.8/5 rating for their knowledgeable and friendly approach. Customers were also impressed with the smooth transportation experience, rating it 4.9/5.

The tour’s value for money was highly praised, with a 4.8/5 rating. Highlights from positive reviews include the beautiful lunch setting at Mission Estate Winery, the comprehensive tastings, and the insightful information provided by the vineyard-manager guide.

The combination of gourmet food, premium wine and gin, and a well-organized itinerary seems to have created a truly memorable experience for travelers.

Hawkes Bay Wineries

Hawkes Bay, a renowned wine region on New Zealand’s North Island, boasts a diverse array of wineries that captivate visitors with their distinct terroir, innovative winemaking techniques, and rich histories.

From the historic Mission Estate, established in 1851, to the contemporary Askerne Estate, each winery offers a unique glimpse into the region’s thriving wine culture.

Visitors can explore the picturesque vineyards, explore the art of grape growing, and savor the complex flavors of the local wines.

With a focus on sustainable practices and a commitment to quality, Hawkes Bay wineries have earned a reputation for producing some of New Zealand’s finest vintages, making them a must-visit destination for oenophiles and casual wine enthusiasts alike.

Gin Tasting Experience

The Napier Wine and Gin Tasting Tour invites visitors to the National Gin Distillery, housed within the historic National Tobacco Building in Ahuriri, where they can indulge in a captivating gin tasting experience. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of locally-produced gins, each with its own unique blend of botanicals and flavors. The knowledgeable staff will guide them through the tasting, sharing insights into the distillation process and the history of gin-making in the region. This gin-focused segment of the tour provides a delightful contrast to the wine tastings, offering participants a well-rounded exploration of Hawke’s Bay’s vibrant beverage scene.

Gin Name	Botanicals	Flavor Profile	ABV	Serving Suggestion
Ahuriri Dry Gin	Juniper, Coriander, Citrus Peels	Bold, Juniper-forward	43%	Gin & Tonic
Hawke’s Bay Gin	Lavender, Elderflower, Feijoa	Floral, Aromatic	40%	Gin Martini
Gimblett Gravels Gin	Juniper, Kaffir Lime, Kawakawa	Herbaceous, Earthy	42%	Gin Fizz
Napier Coastal Gin	Seaweed, Kelp, Citrus	Coastal, Saline	45%	Negroni
Hooters Gin	Manuka, Honey, Spice	Sweet, Spicy	41%	Gin Old Fashioned

Booking and Logistics

Booking the Napier Wine and Gin Tasting Tour is a straightforward process, with various options to suit travelers’ preferences. Customers can reserve their spots directly through the tour operator’s website, taking advantage of the ‘Reserve now & pay later‘ feature if desired.

Pickup locations are conveniently located in the hotel lobbies of Napier, ensuring a seamless start to the excursion. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, but the operator is happy to accommodate dietary requirements with prior notice.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the itinerary involves walking between several venues. With a duration of 5.5 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Napier Wine and Gin Tasting Tour offers a well-organized and flexible experience for visitors.

Recap

The Napier Wine and Gin Tasting Tour with Lunch offers an exceptional opportunity to savor the renowned flavors of Hawkes Bay.

Blending gourmet cuisine, comprehensive wine tastings, and a unique gin experience, this 5.5-hour journey is a must-try for wine and gin enthusiasts.

Guided by an expert, the tour provides insightful commentary, making it an unforgettable adventure that showcases the region’s world-class beverage scene.

You can check if your dates are available here: