Hawke's Bay, on the North Island's east coast, is New Zealand's oldest wine region and one of its warmest and driest, making it the country's leading source of Bordeaux-style reds. The Gimblett Gravels, an old riverbed of free-draining stones that store daytime heat, has become the region's most prized site, particularly for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and increasingly serious Syrah, alongside excellent Chardonnay.

Key grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay