Abbey Cellars and Brewery

Live Music, Wine & Good Vibes in Hawke’s Bay

Tucked away just past Bridge Pa on the Bridge Pa Triangle, Hastings, Abbey Cellars (also known as Abbey Winery & Brewery or Abbey Estate) is not just a boutique vineyard producing premium wines; it’s also a vibrant venue for live music, entertainment, and communal fun. With a stunning vineyard setting, Gothic-Abbey architecture, craft beer, wine, tasty food, and regular music events, it’s become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors in Hawke’s Bay.

Abbey Cellars is a family-owned single-estate winery, founded by the Haworth family, located in the red-metal soils of the Bridge Pa Triangle. They produce ultra-premium wines in small volumes: Bordeaux-style Merlot and Cabernet blends are their flagship varieties, along with Riesling, Chardonnay, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and smaller plantings of Viognier, Carménère, Petit Verdot.

The architecture is notable — the cellar door building is designed as a modern interpretation of a Gothic abbey, offering both visual appeal and a unique atmosphere among Hawke’s Bay wineries. The grounds include vineyards, courtyard/garden spaces, indoor and covered outdoor areas, making it well suited to live performances.

Live Music, Events & Entertainment

Arguably what sets Abbey Cellars apart is its regular live music and entertainment offerings. If you want more than just wine tasting, Abbey Cellars delivers:

• Weekend Sessions: There are often live music performances on Saturdays and Sundays, especially in summer. These are relaxed sessions where guests can sit on picnic tables, enjoy platters or pizzas, drink wine, beer or cider, and soak up a friendly, outdoor atmosphere.
• “Winter & Summer Sessions” Program: Abbey Cellars runs a seasonal program called Abbey Winter And Summer Sessions, featuring local artists and bands. These sessions help Abbey be a hub of weekend entertainment in the Bridge Pa area.
• Venue Rentals & Live Acts: The venue is set up to host bands or DJs, with a stage area, sound system, licensed premises, and space that spills out from the cellar door into the gardens and vineyards. Events range from casual sunday-afternoon gigs to more organised concerts.

Guests often mention the “buzz” that live music brings — live music plus good food plus wine/beer under the vines is a winning combination according to reviews.

Food, Drink & Supporting Amenities

While music is a major draw, Abbey also supports the live music experience with full food & drink offerings:

• Food: Their kitchen produces pizzas, platters (antipasto or similar share plates), snack options, etc., which are ideal for casual dining while listening to live music.
• Drinks: Besides wine and wine tastings, there’s also craft beer and cider, giving variety to visitors. Beer flights are available, too.
• Atmosphere: Plenty of outdoor seating, relaxed vibe, often child- and pet-friendly, bean bags, picnic tables, courtyard, gardens, open spaces under trees, etc. These features make the live music relaxed and accessible.

Practical Information & Tips for Visitors

Here are useful details to help plan a visit, especially if you’re coming for entertainment:
Opening / Kitchen Hours: Open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10-5pm (summer) with kitchen service from about 11:30am to 4:00pm.
Booking & Large Groups: Best to check or reserve if you’re coming for a live event, for larger groups. Outdoor events get busy.
Children & Pets: The venue is noted as child-friendly; dogs often roam on leashes. The setting (vineyards, gardens) encourages a leisurely visit.
What to Expect: Arrive relaxed and open to enjoying more than just wine tasting. Live music tends to start in the midday to afternoon window, sometimes into early evening. Bring friends, maybe a picnic mentality, but food is available to order.

This is a highly recommended stop when you are on the Bridge Pa Triangle Route. with On Yer Bike Winery Tours.