Craggy Range is one of my favourite and their winery is probably the most beautiful in New Zealand. It is located at Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay under the majestic Te Mata Peak (you can see it in the background of the photo below).

Their Prestige Collection wines, Le Sol, Sophia and Aroha are simply elegant. Le Sol is a Syrah wine, Sophia is a Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon blend and Aroha is a Pinot Noir.

These are their top of the range wines. Since I love syrah, Le Sol is one of my favourite but I also enjoy the Sophia. Next time when you are at a wine shop, try to look out for these two wines from Craggy Range. The first thing you will notice is the bottle design for the Sophia is a bit different from your normal bordeaux bottle. It is in  fact noticeably heavier and taller, definitely fits the prestige label. I will post the review of the wine next time, 2013 and 2014 vintages are recommended. I visited the winery in October 2016, it was spring time in New Zealand. Cherry blossoms were in the full bloom and it was just so beautiful.  I wandered around the winery and to my surprise they offer accommodation on site. You can book to stay at the winery, I will return some day to do this. The winery surrounding was pleasant and the landscape was tidy and obviously very well maintained. Would be a very nice venue for a wedding.

The cellar door was spacious and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Wine tasting was free and you get to taste all their current vintage of their Family Collection wines.  The Merlot and Pinot Noir were outstanding at the time of tasting. During my visit, I was fortunate to be able to dine at their restaurant Terrôir. The restaurant was located inside the Mongolian yurt like rooftop building, you can see it in the first photo.

I had the best rib eye steak ever, slow roasted in a wood fire oven and paired with the 2014 Sophia, a great vintage for the Hawke’s Bay region. It was an amazing experience, the highlight of my trip to Hawkes Bay. To be honest, I can still remember how tender and succulent the steak was till now, definitely craving for some right now!

Of course no perfect meal is without the perfect finale: dessert that is. I ordered my usual favourite, crème brûlée and it was paired with the 2008 Noble Riesling.

It was to die for! Seriously delicious and the dessert wine was not overly sweet, just right to compliment the crème brûlée. I’m salivating as I’m writing and recalling that awesome experience. I can’t wait to go back and visit this winery again. If you are planning your trip to Hawke’s Bay or New Zealand, do stop by this winery. I am pretty sure you won’t regret it =)

Getting there

Hawke’s Bay is located in the North Island of New Zealand and it is a region consists of different areas. Havelock North is located south of Hastings and Napier. If you travel by air from Auckland or Wellington, it takes about 60 minutes either way and you will land at Napier airport. If you choose to drive from Auckland, it takes just over 5 hours and just under 4 hours if you drive from Wellington.

Once you have arrived in the Hawke’s Bay region, you may like to try the infamous Coastal Wine Cycles, but it will be a bit far to cycle to Craggy Range Winery if you are staying in Napier and not a good idea after a few drinks. There are plenty of wine tour options you can take which will include transportation or you may choose to drive there yourself with the help of Google maps.

Handy Tip: If you would like to dine at the Terrôir Restaurant, make sure you make a booking prior to visiting to avoid disappointment. Also they are not opened on certain days during winter time.