Black Barn Bistro - Havelock North

During our trip to New Zealand, we dedicated a day to tasting the delicious wines of the Hawkes Bay region, and this winery was high on our list of places to visit. We arrived right at opening time, which allowed us to enjoy a serene tasting room and catch a glimpse of the charming bistro as they prepared for lunch. The tasting room is indoors and doesn't offer views of the vineyard but provides a bar tasting experience for just 5 NZ dollars, which we thought was a fantastic deal. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, there are tour options available. While we found the wines to be of decent quality, none particularly impressed us enough to purchase a bottle. Even though the bistro was closed during our visit, we were invited to explore the area and appreciate the lovely vineyard views. On nice days, they set up dining tables among the vines, creating a beautiful atmosphere. The restaurant seems to feature an upscale menu, and we would love to return to try it someday. Overall, we were happy with our visit and recommend scheduling a stop at this winery around mealtime for a more complete experience during your wine-tasting day.

Black Barn is a spacious winery that feels reminiscent of Napa Valley, complete with a charming bistro that offers creative lunch dishes. During our visit on a Thursday afternoon in July, we sampled a flight of four wines: a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Bordeaux Blend. While enjoyable, none stood out as exceptional to us. After the tasting, we dined under a canopy of grapevines and relished a wonderful lunch, leading us to rate the restaurant and its food four stars. My wife chose a refreshing summer salad, while I indulged in a fresh snapper dish paired with a delicious orange broth and white beans, making for a healthy and flavorful meal. Whether or not you decide to do a wine tasting, a lunch at Black Barn is highly recommended for its tasty food and beautiful surroundings.

During our wine tasting, our host even picked a fresh fig from a tree outside to pair with a Sauvignon Blanc, which turned out to be a delightful combination. We enjoyed all the wines we sampled, but a few reds and a rosé particularly stood out to me. After purchasing a glass of wine, we settled on their beautiful patio surrounded by vines and shared some fries. Black Barn was the ideal spot to unwind with a bottle or a glass of wine in the sun. Their outdoor seating area, complete with bean bag chairs and charming rugs, was lovely; though a bit of shade would have made it even better. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Black Barn Vineyards and would definitely return if I'm ever in Hawkes Bay again.

Beautiful winery and dining, both inside and less formally in the courtyard. Loved there wines and bought a couple of bottles to take home. Nice gift shop, too.

Definitely a must-visit for your tastings in Hawkes Bay. Beautiful location with knowledgeable and friendly staff, and most importantly, very drinkable wine.