Discover the best of Gimblett Gravels Wineries
Gimblett Gravels at a Glance: The Gimblett Gravels Wine District is a 800-hectare wine sub-region famous for its award-winning red blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. On a typical one-day bike tour, most visitors comfortably visit 3 to 4 of the 6 cellar doors. The terrain is 100% flat, and the distance covered is upto 14 km with distances between wineries relatively short (longest is 15 minutes of easy cycling) meaning more time at the wineries.
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Explore the wineries of the Gimblett Gravels Wine District
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s renowned Hawke’s Bay wine region, Gimblett Gravels wineries are famous for producing some of the world’s finest wines. This unique area is known for its stony soils, which give the wines exceptional character and complexity. Whether you are a seasoned wine lover or just starting your journey into wine tasting, a visit to the Gimblett Gravels Wine District is a must.
The Gimblett Gravels region offers a wide variety of premium wines, particularly bold reds such as Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as elegant whites. These wines benefit from the unique terroir of the region, which provides ideal growing conditions for grape varieties that thrive in stony, well-drained soils. Visitors to Gimblett Gravels wineries can expect to find both large, internationally recognized wineries and smaller, boutique producers, all offering an exceptional tasting experience.
A Unique Wine District
The Gimblett Gravels Wine District is a special place within the Hawke’s Bay region, known for its distinct gravelly soils deposited by the old Ngaruroro River. This stony terrain, combined with the warm, dry climate, creates ideal conditions for growing grapes that produce deeply flavorful wines with strong tannins and complex aromas. The district’s focus on terroir-driven wines has made it one of the most respected wine regions in New Zealand, with its wines consistently winning awards both locally and internationally.
If you’re planning a visit, expect to explore Gimblett Gravels wineries that pride themselves on their craftsmanship and attention to detail. Many of the vineyards are family-owned and operated, offering personalized wine-tasting experiences where you can learn about the region’s unique growing conditions and the winemaking process.
Exploring Gimblett Gravels Wineries by Bike
At On Yer Bike Winery Tours, we provide the perfect way to explore the Gimblett Gravels Wine District—by bike. Our self-guided tours allow you to discover the area’s best wineries at your own pace, while soaking in the stunning views of vineyards, rolling hills, and clear skies. Starting at Roy’s Hill, you’ll have easy access to some of the top wineries in the Gimblett Gravels area, including Trinity Hill, and Unison Vineyard.
Our bike tours are designed to give you the freedom to enjoy the scenery and stop for tastings whenever and wherever you like. We provide comfortable e-bikes or traditional bikes, a detailed map of the winery route, and roadside assistance should you need it. This is a relaxing and environmentally friendly way to enjoy a day of wine tasting in one of New Zealand’s top wine regions.
What’s Included:
- A comfortable e-bike, hybrid bike, or tandem.
- Hemets provided
- A route map and briefing.
- Roadside assistance in case of flat tyres.
- Collection of purchases from wineries
Hire does NOT include:
- Tasting fees at wineries ($10-$20 per person per winery visited).
- Transport from or return to accommodation
Pricing:
| (Per Bike) $ | Sat | Fri & Sun | Wed & Thur |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Bike Adult | 60 | 55 | 50 |
| Electric Bike | 90 | 85 | 85 |
| Tandem | 120 | 110 | 100 |
Prices are in NZ$ and include GST. Booking fees of 5% will be added to online bookings.Note: from 27 Dec – 6 Jan prices will be fixed at Sat rate.
- Terroir: Famous for deep river gravel soils that produce world-class Syrah and Bordeaux blends.
- Route: Accessible from On Yer Bike via the dedicated off-road trails.
- Wineries: Home to iconic labels like Trinity Hill, Unison, and Stonecroft.
- Distance: Easily combined with the Bridge Pa Triangle for a full-day adventure.
Top Wineries in Gimblett Gravels
Here are some of the must-visit wineries in the Gimblett Gravels Wine District:
- Trinity Hill (2km from start): One of the most recognized wineries in the region, Trinity Hill is known for producing world-class Syrah, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux-style blends. Their elegant tasting room and knowledgeable staff make this a great first stop on your Gimblett Gravels wine tour.
- Unison Vineyard (4km from start): A small, family-owned winery, Unison specializes in handcrafted wines made with a focus on sustainable practices. Their bold red blends are a highlight, and their welcoming cellar door offers a personalized tasting experience.
- Swift Wines (6km from start): A young winery, a young winemaker making unique and original wines.
In addition, you can visit two of the three nearest Bridge Pa wineries to make up five wineries to visit:
- Ash Ridge Winery (2oom from start): While located at the edge of the Gimblett Gravels, Ash Ridge is worth a visit for its award-winning Syrah and Viognier. The winery’s beautiful setting and friendly staff make it a popular stop for visitors exploring the region by bike.
- Oak Estate (2km from start): This bistro in the vines offers both great wines and delicious food. Oak Estate is a wonderful stop for lunch during your Gimblett Gravels bike tour, their vineyard-to-table approach ensures a fresh and memorable tasting experience.
- Radburnd Cellars (4km from start): The Cellar Door is also know as the wine collective. A collection of wines from Radburnd Cellars, Bostock Wines, Chateau Garage, and Amoise
These are just a few of the incredible wineries you’ll encounter on your journey through the Gimblett Gravels Wine District. Each stop offers a unique insight into the region’s winemaking traditions, with opportunities to meet passionate winemakers and sample a wide range of styles and varietals.
Gimblett Gravels Trail Wineries
Current Opening Hours for the Gimblett Gravels Wine District wineries. This is subject to change without prior notification.Wineries will change their operating hours going forward into summer.
Gimblett Gravels Hours
| Winery | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ash Ridge Winery | -- | -- | -- | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | 10:30am - 5:30pm | 10:30am - 5:30pm |
| Oak Estate Cellar Door & Kitchen | -- | -- | 11:30am - 4:30pm | 11:30am - 4:30pm | 11:30am - 4:30pm | 11:30am - 4:30pm | 11:30am - 4:30pm |
| Swift Wines | 11:00am - 3:00pm | 11:00am - 3:00pm | -- | 11:00am - 3:00pm | 11:00am - 3:00pm | 11:00am - 4:00pm | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
| Trinity Hill Winery | 11:00am - 5:00pm | 11:00am - 5:00pm | 11:00am - 5:00pm | 11:00am - 5:00pm | 11:00am - 5:00pm | 11:00am - 5:00pm | 11:00am - 5:00pm |
| Unison Vineyard | -- | -- | 11:00am - 4:00pm | 11:00am - 4:00pm | 11:00am - 4:00pm | 11:00am - 4:00pm | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
Additional Information
Hours of Rental
Rental time is from the hour selected during booking until 5pm – All bicycles must be returned by 5pm. Going over will result in a late fee of $5 per half hour, or part thereof, until bikes returned.
Lunch and Wine Tasting Bookings
Wineries are limiting group sizes for their wine tasting and do require advance bookings for groups larger than four people. We will send you more advance route details, including contact information, once you book in with us. Please note: we do not do these bookings on your behalf.
Cancellation
Bookings cancelled more than5 days from hire date can receive a refund less transaction fees. Bookings cancelled within 5 days will receive a voucher to book again at another time. Bookings cancelled within 24 hours prior to the hire date are non-refundable.
Manufacturers Limits
Max Weight: Bikes do not take riders heavier than 110Kg
The Perfect Wine Tasting Experience
When visiting Gimblett Gravels wineries, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Many wineries in the region require advance bookings for tastings, especially during peak seasons. Wine tasting fees typically range from $10 to $20 per person, but these are often waived if you purchase a bottle of wine.
We recommend setting aside about an hour for each winery visit, allowing time to enjoy the tastings, chat with the winemakers, and perhaps pick up a bottle or two of your favorite wines. If you’re cycling, it’s also important to pace yourself and make time for a relaxing lunch at one of the winery restaurants or picnic areas.
Why Gimblett Gravels Wines Stand Out
The unique combination of climate, soil, and winemaking expertise is what sets Gimblett Gravels wines apart. The region’s gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, forcing the vines to work harder and produce grapes with more concentrated flavors. The warm, dry climate of Hawke’s Bay ensures that the grapes reach optimal ripeness, resulting in wines with bold flavors and structured tannins.
The reds from Gimblett Gravels wineries are particularly well-regarded, with Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon leading the charge. These wines are known for their intensity, with rich fruit flavors and a long, smooth finish. The whites, particularly Chardonnay and Viognier, are also exceptional, offering a balance of freshness and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Which wineries in Gimblett Gravels have lunch? Oak Estate and Unison Vineyard are the primary stops for lunch and platters in the Triangle. You can also get lunch at Ash Ridge Winery and Trinity Hill.
- Do Gimblett Gravels wineries charge for tastings? Most cellar doors charge a fee of $15–$25, which is often waived if you purchase bottles of wine.
- Do I need to book winery tastings in Gimblett Gravels? For groups of 5 or fewer, you can usually drop in. Groups of 6 or more must book in advance. We recommend booking regardless during peak summer months.
- How do I get purchased wine back to the base? On Yer Bike provides a complimentary wine collection service. Buy your wine at a cellar door before 3:30pm, and we will pick it up and have it ready for you to collect at our base between 4:00 – 5:00 PM.
- What makes Gimblett Gravels wineries different? The region’s unique gravelly soil retains heat, allowing for the production of dense, high-quality red wines that are famous globally.
- Can I visit both Bridge Pa and Gimblett Gravels on one bike tour? Yes! Our base at Roy’s Hill is perfectly positioned to allow you to explore both regions in a single day, especially if you hire an Electric Bike (E-bike).
- Are the Gimblett Gravels wineries open every day? Many are open daily, but some boutique cellar doors have seasonal hours. Check our live hours table below for current opening times.