Pedal Your Way Through Hawke's Bay Wine Country: The Ultimate Bike Wine Tour Experience
“On your bike. Go!, Get out of here.”
In our world, On Yer Bike means “Go. Go on a bike wine tour, and have fun cycling around a few wineries.” Learn something new about wine and maybe fall in love with a new wine you have not previously tried.
Early Days
The concept of biking around wineries is not new. When Mike and Julie Russell started On Yer Bike Winery Tours from a woolshed on their property, they became pioneers in wine tourism for the region that became the Bridge Pa Triangle Winegrowing District.
In the early 2000s, several new wineries and vineyards opened up cellar doors in the local area. You were riding on rural roads, with around four or five cellar doors to visit. As there was little choice of food offerings at the cellar doors, Julie offered picnic lunches to sustain the riders during the day out. These picnic lunches became a cherished part of the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy their wine tastings without worrying about where to find food.
The simplicity of rural roads adds to the charm of the experience, making it feel like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A Change in wine tourism
Rolling around to 2012, Mike and Julie Russell decided to focus on other ventures. They sold the bicycle hire company to Phil and Chris Wilcock. Phil and Chris had just launched Ash Ridge Winery the year before and were looking for a way to market their fledgling winery and cellar door saw an opportunity that the experiential marketing prowess that bike wine tours offered and On Yer Bike Winery Tours was the right vehicle to help them promote not just Ash Ridge Winery, but continue promoting wine tourism to the region.
The acquisition of the bike hire service in 2012 coincided with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s investment in cycle tourism in the Hawke’s Bay region with the construction of over 200 Km of cycle trails around the bay – including the “Wineries Ride”. This significant investment transformed the cycling experience, connecting more wineries and creating a more extensive network of trails for enthusiasts to explore. The Wineries Ride became a highlight for many visitors, providing a scenic and enjoyable way to experience the region’s wine offerings.
From the new location on State Highway 50 – in the heart of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country – riders have access to internationally renowned wineries within a few kilometres. Places like Trinity Hill, Paritua Winery, Alpha Domus, Oak Estate, Unison Vineyards, Stonecroft Wines, and Ash Ridge Winery are just a short ride away. This prime location allows visitors to easily explore multiple wineries in one day, making the most of their visit to Hawke’s Bay Wine Country.
On Yer Bike is probably the “original” bike wine tour company, or the oldest bike hire company focused on winery tours in Hawke’s Bay. Our endeavour is to provide exceptional wine tours by bike and create a reputation for excellent service and unforgettable experiences has been our goal over the years, drawing wine lovers and adventure seekers from around the globe. The combination of beautiful scenery, world-class wines, and the unique biking experience makes On Yer Bike Winery Tours a must-try for anyone visiting the region.
In addition to the regular self-guided tours, the offering opens up to being the ideal experience for special occasions, such as Hen’s parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events. With the stunning backdrop of Hawke’s Bay and the charm of its wineries, your day out is sure to be a hit.
Future Growth
As we look to the future, we at On Yer Bike Winery Tours remain dedicated to innovating and enhancing our offerings. We continually seek new ways to delight our guests and ensure every tour is a memorable and enjoyable experience.
We are now looking at changing the wine tour experience to incorporate ither themes such as a Treasure Hunt, or a Murder mystery theme.
With these new ideas in mind, we aim to remain at the forefront of winery bike tours, setting the standard for excellence in this unique and exciting field.
Join us at On Yer Bike Winery Tours and discover the joy of exploring wineries by bike. Embrace the adventure, savour the wines, and create lasting memories with friends and family. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the magic of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country.
