Hawke’s Bay, on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions and home to some of its best-known wines.
Craggy Range was established in Hawke’s Bay in 1998 by Mary and Terry Peabody, an entrepreneurial couple who spent years searching for the right location to establish a winery. Their ambitions, however, extended far beyond simply producing great wine.
According to the owners, the goal was to create a legacy — a place that could be passed from generation to generation for a thousand years. Today, the third generation of the family, their grandchildren, is already involved in the business, suggesting that the long-term vision is well underway.
When it comes to the wines themselves, Terry Peabody describes the estate’s philosophy with characteristic confidence: “I believe we produce some of the most inspiring fine wines of the New World, wines that faithfully reflect both the place and the people.”
Clearly, this is a winery that does not think small.
Wine Tasting Experiences at Craggy Range
Craggy Range offers several levels of wine-tasting experiences.
The first includes a semi-private tasting of five wines from the winery’s latest releases.
A more extensive experience features a selection of Craggy Range’s iconic wines, accompanied by light refreshments and a tour of the winery facilities and cellar.
For those looking for the ultimate experience, the estate offers an immersive winery tour and tasting of its flagship wines, followed by lunch or dinner at the restaurant. The meal begins with a guided tasting menu led by the chef, with wines carefully paired to complement each course.
Staying Among the Vineyards
Accommodation at Craggy Range includes two cottages, each featuring two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace and a private courtyard.
Every bedroom has its own terrace overlooking either the vineyards or eastward toward the ocean. The cottages are suitable for couples, families or small groups of friends looking to immerse themselves in the Hawke’s Bay wine-country experience.
Guests can also stay in a four-bedroom estate house divided into three separate living areas and suitable for groups of up to 12 people.
The house offers spectacular views from almost every angle, thanks to expansive windows and wide glass doors that connect the interiors with the surrounding landscape.
Website: craggyrange.com
Bottom line: New World wine at its finest.
