Napier can be a lot more fun than just a coastal stroll. This afternoon tour packs Mission Estate (dating to 1851) plus an Art Nouveau National Tobacco Building gin tasting, then finishes with wine and cheese in Hawke’s Bay. The big upside is a smooth, guided route between stops. The main drawback to note is that this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

I like that the timing is built around a relaxed pace: pickup and drop-off in Napier, then tastings that are structured but still guided by a real person—Ross, the host many guests mention as friendly and willing to answer questions. You’ll also leave with a Mission Estate souvenir glass, which is a nice way to remember what you poured.

And because you’re tasting across both wine and gin, you get a more complete feel for the region. Think Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc on the white side, and Shiraz plus Bordeaux-style blends for reds—then five gins at the distillery to reset your palate before the final tasting at Askerne.

Key Highlights Worth Booking

• Mission Estate (1851) in a Victorian mansion setting with vineyard views for a classic Hawke’s Bay start.
• Five-gin tasting at the National Gin Distillery in the Art Nouveau National Tobacco Building.
• Two winery tastings (each 4–7 wines) split across reds and whites, so you get variety without it dragging.
• Askerne Estate seated tasting with a New Zealand cheese board in a more intimate, vineyard-focused setting.
• A souvenir Mission Estate wine glass plus bottled water keeps the experience practical and souvenir-worthy.

A Smooth Napier Afternoon With a Real Local Host

This is the kind of tour you do when you want a good time without playing logistics Tetris. You get pickup and drop-off in Napier, and you’re on a guided route between stops instead of timing car changes and cellar-door hours yourself. It’s also a shorter outing—4.5 hours total—so it fits nicely between sightseeing, dinner planning, or a relaxed beach evening.

A big part of why this tour works is the guide. In the feedback I saw, Ross gets praised for being friendly and for bringing industry experience into the story—explaining how the region works, what to look for in the glass, and how to taste beyond just deciding which one is “nice.” If you like asking questions (or you’re new to wine), this is the right format.

One practical note: tastings are designed to move. You won’t have unlimited free-roaming time at each winery, so come ready to sip, compare, and ask your guide for the “why” behind each pour.

National Tobacco Building Gin Tasting: Five Gins, Big Flavor Contrast

The gin stop is not a throwaway add-on. You’ll taste five gins at the National Gin Distillery, and it’s housed in the Art Nouveau National Tobacco Building, which gives the whole experience a more memorable setting than a plain industrial warehouse.

Gin tasting is a great palate reset if you’re also doing wine. After a flight of whites and reds earlier, the gin pours bring a different kind of tasting skill: you’re picking up botanicals, spice, and the way each spirit finishes. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a “spirits person,” five different gins gives you enough range to notice patterns—especially how aroma changes your perception of taste.

Because gin flavors can be subtle, I’d treat the first pour as your baseline and use the remaining gins to compare. If you’re the type who loves taking notes, bring a small notebook—your guide can help translate what you’re smelling into what you’re tasting.

Mission Estate 1851: Victorian Views and a Hawke’s Bay Wine Education

Mission Estate is the anchor of the tour, and it’s easy to see why. It’s established in 1851, and the tasting hall sits inside a two-story Victorian mansion with views over the vineyards. That matters. When the setting looks like the history you’re sipping, the wines feel more connected to place.

From a tasting perspective, Mission sets you up with a Hawke’s Bay mix that includes both white and red styles. Chardonnay is the dominant white variety here, but you’ll also be tasting Sauvignon Blanc, which helps you compare how Hawke’s Bay’s whites can shift in character. On the red side, the tour focuses on major local styles like Shiraz and Bordeaux blends, so you’re not stuck tasting only one kind of red profile.

What I like about this stop is the balance of structure and story. The tour format gives you 4–7 wines for tasting here, split between whites and reds. That’s enough variety to learn something without being stuck in a “forever tasting room” loop.

If you get a moment between pours, look at the vineyard view from the mansion. It’s an easy way to connect what you’re tasting to how grapes are grown—sunlight, soil, and the feel of the region all start making more sense once you’re actually seeing the place.

Askerne Estate Seated Tasting: Cheese Board Pairing With a Boutique Scale

After the gin stop and a drive through orchards and vineyards, the tour brings you to Askerne Estate for a seated experience. This is where the day shifts from active sipping to a more relaxed, food-and-wine pairing rhythm.

Askerne is producing around 100,000 bottles total, spread across 13 varietals. That smaller scale (compared to big-volume operations) is one reason the tasting can feel more focused. Instead of trying to cover everything, you get a snapshot of how they handle different grapes—and the tour structure still keeps you moving.

You’ll enjoy a complimentary cheese board of New Zealand cheeses alongside your tasting. This is smart, not fluff. Cheese helps you notice changes in acidity, fruit, and texture that you might miss when you’re sipping wine on its own. It also makes the whole experience feel more like a hosted meal than a quick flight.

This stop is “seated tasting,” which I appreciate because it slows things down just enough. It’s also why comfortable shoes matter: you’re generally on your feet enough to move between areas, even when the main tasting is seated.

What You’ll Taste: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Bordeaux Blends

If you like the idea of leaving with a clearer picture of Hawke’s Bay, this tour’s wine mix does the job. You’ll taste wines in the typical regional lineup:

• Whites: Chardonnay is central, and Sauvignon Blanc shows up too.
• Reds: Expect styles like Shiraz and Bordeaux blends.

Each winery offers 4–7 wines, and the day is split so you’re tasting both reds and whites. That matters because wine tasting is easier when you can compare within the same theme. For example: you can compare how a Chardonnay opens up versus a Sauvignon Blanc, then shift to reds and compare how the tannin and fruit profiles feel across different styles.

If you’re picky about what you pour, don’t worry—you’re not stuck guessing what’s in the lineup. The tour is built around these categories, so you’ll likely find at least a couple of wines that match what you usually like, even if you’re still learning what you’re tasting for.

Price and Value: $99 for Wine, Gin, Cheese, and a Glass

At $99 per person for about 4.5 hours, this isn’t a “cheap tasting flight” kind of deal. But it also isn’t priced like a full-day luxury winery marathon. The value is in the combination:

• Tastings at 2 wineries (4–7 wines each)
• National Gin Distillery tasting (five gins)
• New Zealand cheese board
• Mission Estate branded wine glass souvenir
• Pickup and drop-off plus bottled water

That mix is why the price feels reasonable. You’re paying for transport, guided interpretation, and the actual tasting time at multiple locations. If you tried to do this on your own, you’d be juggling driving times, booking cellar-door tastings, and figuring out how to compare a gin tasting with wine tastings in the right order.

Also, the souvenir glass is not a throwaway. It gives you a physical reminder of the first major stop, and it’s one of those small “this was worth it” touches that makes the day feel complete.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tastings

A few practical moves will help the whole afternoon feel smoother.

1. Wear comfortable shoes. You’re visiting multiple properties, and you’ll be moving around enough that blisters will ruin the fun.
2. Plan to taste, not stock up. The tour is designed for comparison. If you’re going to buy bottles later, consider keeping your palate fresh instead of forcing “one more” pour.
3. Ask questions early. If you want to understand what to look for—like acidity in whites or how blends differ—ask at the start of the tastings. Your guide can tailor explanations as the day progresses.
4. Bring a notebook if you’re a note-taker. Some people want a clearer way to remember what they liked. A small pad beats relying on memory after multiple pours.
5. Drink water between stops. Bottled water is included, but sipping regularly helps you keep your tasting brain online.

Finally, keep expectations realistic about pacing. The tour is structured, and that’s part of the value. You’ll get meaningful tasting time without endless waiting.

Should You Book This Napier Winery and Gin Tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided afternoon that hits both Hawke’s Bay wine and a proper gin tasting—without needing a rental car plan or a full-day commitment. Mission Estate’s historic setting and the National Tobacco Building gin tasting are strong anchors, and the Askerne stop brings the day back down to earth with a seated tasting and cheese pairing.

I’d think twice if you need wheelchair-friendly access or have mobility limitations, since the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Also, if you only care about one specific category—either gin or wine—you may prefer a single-focused experience. But if you like variety and you want a host who can explain what you’re tasting while you’re tasting it, this is a very solid use of your time in Napier.

FAQ

How long is the Napier afternoon wine and gin tour?

It runs for about 4.5 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are pickup and drop-off, a tour guide, tastings at 2 wineries, a National Gin Distillery tasting, a New Zealand cheese board, a Mission Estate branded wine glass souvenir, and bottled water.

How many wines will I taste at each winery?

Each winery offers between 4 and 7 wines, split between reds and whites.

How many gins do you taste at the distillery?

You’ll taste five gins at the National Gin Distillery.

Is beer tasting included?

Beer tasting is not included. It’s optional, and there may be optional beer tasting fees. Also, there are no beer tastings on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Is there gin tasting on Sundays?

No. There are no gin tastings on Sundays.

Does the itinerary ever change?

Yes. The program may vary due to the wineries seasonally adjusting their opening days/times or itinerary time constraints.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

Can I cancel, and how late can I cancel?

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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