The Winemakers Ultimate Small Group Tour

Your host Don Bird, will collect you from your accommodation at approximately 12.30pm. You will travel in air-conditioned comfort in a new minibus, while your host provides continuous commentary on the wonderful sights and scenery. The tour duration is approximately 5.5 hours, so you will be returned to your accommodation between 5.30 and 6.00pm.
Itinerary
Visit three of Hawkes Bay's iconic wineries. 
Esk Valley Estate Winery was established by Don's grandfather in the late 1920s, where Don was the winemaker for a number of years. Esk Valley Estate is famous for ‘The Terraces’ single vineyard red wine.
Mission Estate Winery was established in 1851 by pioneering French Missionaries. It is New Zealand’s oldest winery and the birth place of New Zealand wine.
Linden Estate has a passionate team of winemakers whose aim is to make wines that achieve depth, richness and complexity with intense fruit flavours. The effort put into the vineyards has resulted in many of their wines winning medals. 
At each of these three wineries you will be treated to a private, seated wine tasting hosted by Don, a winemaker with 40 years experience in the industry. The tastings will include Reserve quality wines showcasing the best of Hawke's Bay. Breads, crackers, cheese and olives will accompany the wines at one of the wineries.
Taste wine amongst the vines in your host's Esk Valley vineyard while Don explains the meaning and importance of 'Terroir' and it's contribution to wine quality. The red wine was produced from grapes harvested from this vineyard.
Visit 'The Grange', your host's farm in the beautiful Esk Valley with amazing rural, coastal and city views. Stroll around Roslyn’s beautiful country garden. Enjoy feeding the sheep and other animals as we introduce you to New Zealand lifestyle farming.
Drive up to an Esk Valley Hills lookout that challenges Te Mata Peak for Hawke's Bay's most majestic 360 degree views. Gaze over the farms, vineyards and pristine orchards on the valley floor.