The festive season is almost here, and if a cellar door visit is on your Christmas or New Year itinerary, you’ll need to know when your favourite Hawke’s Bay wineries are pouring.
To make your holiday planning seamless, we’ve gathered the vital holiday opening information for nine top local estates around the Bridge pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels.
From Monday, December 22nd, 2025, through to Sunday, January 11th, 2026, many wineries adjust their schedules to accommodate statutory holiday opening. Use the table below as your essential guide to ensure your wine tasting plans don’t fall flat during this vibrant summer season.
On Yer Bike Schedule
We will be closed from Monday 22nd Dec – to Friday 26th Dec for our annual downtime, and because not enough wineries are open to offer a good service. We will be open daily from 26th Dec to 11 Jan (except New Years Day). Dont forget to check the weather with Metservice.
Key Holiday Opening Hours
The table below focuses around the four statutory public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and the Day After New Year’s Day), as these are when wineries are most likely to close. Between these dates, many – but not all – of the winereis operate seven days.
Please Note: These holiday opening hours are based on the latest published schedules. It is essential to call or check the winery’s website or social media page before visiting, as they may have not informed us of last minute closures or changes to their schedule.
| Winery | Normal Operating Hours (NOH) | Mon 22-Wed 24 Dec | Xmas Day (Thu) | Boxing Day (Fri) | Sat 27 - Wed 31 | NY Day (Thu) | Fri 2 jan | Sat 3 - Sun 4 | Mon 5 - Sun 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey Brewhouse | Sat-Sun: 11am–5pm | -- | -- | -- | OPEN | -- | -- | OPEN | NOH |
| Alpha Domus | Fri-Sun: 11am–5pm | -- | -- | -- | OPEN | -- | OPEN | OPEN | NOH |
| Ash Ridge | Wed-Sun: 10:30–5pm | WED* | -- | OPEN | OPEN | OPEN | OPEN | OPEN | DAILY |
| Oak Estate | Wed-Sun: 11:30–4:30 | -- | -- | OPEN | OPEN | OPEN | OPEN | OPEN | NOH |
| Paritua | Wed-Sun: 12–4pm | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | OPEN | NOH |
| Radburnd | Sat-Wed: 11–4pm | -- | -- | -- | OPEN | -- | -- | OPEN | NOH |
| Swift | Thu-Tue: 11–3pm | Mon-Tue* | -- | -- | OPEN | -- | OPEN | OPEN | NOH |
| Trinity Hill | Wed-Sun: 11–5pm | OPEN | -- | OPEN | OPEN | -- | OPEN | OPEN | NOH |
| Unison | Fri-Sun: 11–4pm | -- | -- | -- | OPEN | -- | OPEN | OPEN | NOH |
*Wed – Only Open Wednesday. *Mon-Tue – only open Monday and Tuesday
Statutory Holidays
For all other dates in the specified period (outside of Dec 25, 26, Jan 1, and Jan 2), you can generally rely on the “Normal Operating Hours” listed above.
Important Reminders:
- Christmas Eve (December 24th): Some wineries may operate their normal daily schedule but may close an hour or two earlier than usual. If you plan to visit late in the afternoon, please call ahead.
- Boxing Day (December 26th): Historically many of the wineries remain closed on Boxing day, you may be luck to find one or two open. Again, please call ahead.
- New Year’s Day (January 1st): Historically many of the wineries remain closed on New Year’s Day, you may be luck to find one or two open. Again, please call ahead.
- Surcharges: Some wineries may apply a public holiday surcharge on the statutory holiday dates (Dec 25, 26, Jan 1, 2) where they are open.
Enjoy the beautiful Hawke’s Bay summer and have a safe and happy holiday season!
Spotlight on the Wineries
While planning your visits based on the above holiday opening schedule, take a moment to consider the unique experiences each of these Hawke’s Bay treasures offers:
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Paritua Winery: Known for its striking, contemporary winery architecture and stunning vineyard views, Paritua specializes in premium single-vineyard wines, particularly exquisite Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux blends.
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Ash Ridge Winery: A relaxed, family-friendly destination. Ash Ridge offers a wide range of accessible varietals and a welcoming atmosphere, often featuring easy lunches and platters perfect for a summer afternoon.
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Alpha Domus: Recognised for its unique in-the-winery cellar door, this winery is known for its quality, handcrafted wines, and traditional approach that results in distinctive and high-quality wines.
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Abbey Cellars: As one of Hawke’s Bay’s moern brewhouses, Abbey Estate provides a cellar door experience with beer, wine and live music.
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Oak Estate: Offers a beautiful, relaxed garden setting with lawns surrounded by vineyards, making it an ideal spot to enjoy wine with a sample from their a-la-carte menu. It’s a favourite for soaking up the Hawke’s Bay sunshine.
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Radburnd Cellars: Representing the prestige label of legendary New Zealand winemaker Kate Radburnd, visits here are focused on tasting exceptional, small-batch, ultra-premium wines, often making it a highlight of any serious wine tour.
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Trinity Hill: A globally recognised producer with a strong focus on Syrah and the Gimblett Gravels terroir. Their modern, spacious cellar door provides a sophisticated environment for tasting their extensive range.
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Swift Wines: A boutique experience known for handcrafted wines and aromatic whites. Swift is an excellent choice for those seeking something unique and celebratory during the festive period.
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Unison Vineyards: Specialising in Syrah and Merlot blends, Unison offers a rustic and intimate cellar door experience, focusing on high quality, Gimblett Gravels-grown wine.