Sileni Estates

The basics

You can visit Sileni Estates independently for wine tasting, or join a private or group guided tour of several Hawkes’s Bay wineries. While tours departing from Napier or Hastings may include a stop at Sileni Estates, book a private tour with a customizable itinerary if you’re especially interested in visiting this winery. A fun way of visiting is to rent a bicycle and pedal between wineries.

Things to know before you go

• Sileni Estates doesn’t serve food, so factor this in if you’re planning your day around visiting wineries.

• If you can’t make it to Sileni Estates in person, you can buy its wines online.

• Private winery tours should be booked in advance.

How to get there

Sileni Estates is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of Hastings, which is around 10 minutes by car. It’s 9 miles (15 kilometers) west of Havelock North, and 18 miles (30 kilometers) south-west of Napier. It’s easy to visit in your own vehicle or on a tour, or rent a bicycle from Hastings or Havelock North. Hawke’s Bay is about a 5-hour drive from Auckland.

When to get there

Sileni Estates has seasonal hours, but is typically open Wednesday to Sunday, from late morning until early evening, and is closed on public holidays. Private winery tours are currently offered on Thursdays and Fridays. Grapes are harvested throughout New Zealand between February and May (late summer to late autumn), and there may be more activity to see at Sileni Estates and other local wineries if you visit during this time.

The North Island’s top wine-making region

With more than 75 wineries, Hawke’s Bay is the center of the North Island’s wine-making industry and is a must-visit destination for lovers of fine wine and good food. The environment is ideal for growing grapes, thanks to its sunny climate, shelter from mountains, and abundant water supply from rivers. However, New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region overall is Marlborough, at the top of the South Island, with around 170 wineries.