Mission Estate Winery, Hawke's Bay

From Napier we went to Mission Estate Winery so that we could try at least one Hawke's Bay wine. According to some accounts, it's the oldest winery--dating from the 1800s when it began making sacramental wine. The place is breathtaking, with a grand Estate-like building, lush grounds, and a view of vineyards.

We had a spectacular lunch, dining outside with a view of the grounds. I had a spinach salad with fresh strawberries, brie, and crispy streaked bacon pieces. I also had a delicious Mission Estate pinot noir made from Central Otago grapes. We shared a bread loaf with olive oil, vinegar and a NZ dukah (mixture of ground nuts). For dessert I had a blue chees plate with poached pear, figs, fresh pear and crackers. While enjoying the food, wine and view I really had no desire to get up and leave--it seemed like a perfect Sunday afternoon.

We dragged ourselves away to try a few more wines (they even make a nice Ice wine) and then got on the road to Martinborough.