Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay is located on the east coast of the North Island, halfway between Auckland and Wellington.
Climate
The Hawkes Bay region enjoys very high sunshine hours with warm summer temperatures and autumns, which are relatively dry.
Grape Varietals
The region offers myriad soil types and a climate ideal for growing a range of grape varietals. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the major grape varietals planted in the region by Villa Maria Estate.
Gimblett Gravels
Many of the red grape varietals are planted in company owned and managed vineyards in the area known as Gimblett Gravels. Now regarded as an appellation in its own right, Gimblett Gravels represents 34 wineries and winegrowers, including Villa Maria Estate.
The area, which takes in the Gimblett Road, is defined both by location and by soil type. With unique, free draining shingle soils and average temperatures up to three degrees hotter than most other areas in Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels vineyards have consistently produced award winning red wines for Villa Maria.