High expectations in Hawke's Bay

Vintage is in full swing across Australia and New Zealand, but there is particular optimism in Hawke's Bay on the north island of Kiwiland. 

It may be tempting fate, but the wine producers of  Hawke's Bay are proclaiming that this year is looming as a great one. 

"Every so often, a vintage emerges that could define a wine region’s legacy," Hawke's Bay Wine proclaims in its latest newsletter. 

"In Hawke’s Bay, murmurs are growing that 2025 may be one of those years - potentially rivalling even the renowned 2013 vintage."

Hawke’s Bay Wine CEO Brent Linn visited wineries across the region to hear first-hand how the harvest is progressing. 

Winemakers from Te Mata Estate, Brookfields Winery, and Craggy Range all reported outstanding fruit quality, with ideal growing conditions delivering pristine grapes at optimal ripeness.

Te Mata Estate senior winemaker Phil Brodie described the season as "unique and potentially legendary," while Brookfields’ Peter Robertson, now in his 51st harvest, noted exceptional quality in both white and red varieties. 

With warm, dry conditions, vintage 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most promising in recent history.

Senior winemaker Ben Tombs highlighted an early harvest with vibrant acidity and excellent structure at Craggy Range.

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst joined the visit at Te Mata Estate, emphasising the wine industry’s crucial role in the region’s economy, tourism, and global reputation. 

Sally Duncan, chair of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers, reinforced the industry's impact, noting that over 32 million bottles of Hawke’s Bay wine will reach consumers worldwide this vintage.

As winemakers complete their work in the vineyard and turn their focus to the winery, the question remains: Could this be "the one"?