Paritua Winery

Paritua — Organic Single-Vineyard Wines in the Bridge Pa Triangle

Paritua is a certified organic, single-vineyard winery and cellar door at 2112 Maraekakaho Road, Hastings, in the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District of Hawke’s Bay. Its buildings were designed by architect Simon Carnachan of Crosson Clarke Carnachan, and they’re worth the ride on their own. At 12 km from On Yer Bike, Paritua is the furthest cellar door on our Bridge Pa Triangle ride.

What does Paritua mean?

Paritua is named after the Paritua Stream, which winds through the vineyard. The name means “the meandering stream above the ancient river”.

The ancient river is the Ngaruroro, which flowed across this land before the 1860s earthquake. Paritua’s vines are planted on its old gravel riverbed.

Who makes the wine at Paritua?

Chief Winemaker Jason Stent, and he’s a cyclist at heart. Jason grew up in Hawke’s Bay and headed to France at 20 to race bikes for a Bordeaux club for two seasons. While he was there, a chance taste of a 1961 Château Haut-Brion changed his direction.

He began studying winemaking in Hawke’s Bay in 1993, spent 13 years at Sacred Hill, and joined Paritua in 2008.

What wines does Paritua make?

Every Paritua wine comes from grapes grown on this one vineyard. The first vines arrived in 2003, and more than 120 acres (about 49 hectares) have since been planted in three stages. Around 70% is red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay make up the rest.

There are three ranges:

• Stone Paddock, made every year
• Paritua, made only in outstanding vintages
• 21.12, the flagship, which shares its numbers with the winery’s street address

Paritua has been fully certified organic since February 2022, is accredited by Sustainable Winegrowers New Zealand, and all its wines are vegan friendly. Wine critic Bob Campbell MW put Paritua on his “watch list of rising stars” in 2020.

If you find a favourite, Paritua’s wine club, The Stream, gets first offer on new releases, including 21.12.

How much is a tasting at Paritua?

$15 per person for six wines. The fee is refundable when you buy wine (conditions apply).* Groups of 10 or more need to book ahead with Paritua.

Can you eat at Paritua?

Plan on Paritua as a tasting stop rather than lunch. They have offered a cheese platter in the past, so check with them before you count on it.

For a proper lunch on a Bridge Pa ride, look to Abbey on Saturdays, Oak Estate at weekends, or pizza at Ash Ridge at the end of the day.

When is Paritua open?

Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm–4pm* and Saturday 11am-4pm. It’s closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Easter Monday, King’s Birthday and Matariki.

How does Paritua fit into an On Yer Bike ride?

Paritua is 12 km from our base at Roys Hill, about 45 minutes by bike along Ngatarawa Road. Because it’s the furthest point and opens at midday, it works best as your first stop. Ride out in the late morning, taste at Paritua, then work your way back through the Bridge Pa Triangle towards lunch and home.

If 12 km each way feels like a long day, an e-bike makes easy work of the distance. Bought a few bottles along the way? We’ll carry your bottles home for you.

* Subject to change.