Setting
Slow down as you take the SH50 corner because you might overshoot the entranceway to Hawke’s Bay’s newest winery. Just 10 minutes from Hastings and 20 from Napier, the Ash Ridge tasting room is a simple white building up a gravel driveway surrounded by three acres of olive trees and vines; no doubt you’ll find Star the cellar door dog sheltering under one of them.

Things to know
Owners Chris and Sonya Wilcock have established an indoor-outdoor cafe offering a range of platters, paninis and cakes as well as hot and cold drinks, from where you can soak up the views from Roys Hill across to the Ruahine Ranges and beyond.

Our picks
Recent graduate winemaker Lauren Swift has crafted an excellent 2013 syrah, while her sauvignon blanc oozes soft tropical tones and lifted florals.

Plus
With On Yer Bike Winery Tours (onyerbikehb.co.nz) based at the winery, it’s perfectly positioned for pedaling.