Shopping Cart (${ cart.item_count })

Your cart is currently empty.

IN PERSUIT of
EXCELLENCE

PIONEERING the HAWKE’S BAY WINE INDUSTRY

It has been over 125 incredible years since the journey began on the site where Church Road now stands. Over 125 years of capturing the riches of the Hawke’s Bay region, harnessing the natural terroir and individual character of the vineyards.

Our Journey begins

1897

A winery was established in 1897 by Bartholomew Steinmetz, a Luxembourg émigré who came to New Zealand to make wine for the Marist Brothers Catholic Mission (known today as the Mission Estate Winery).

1921—1987

In the span of five years, Tom McDonald OBE graduated from washing recycled bottles at age 14 to leasing and running the business. A decade later, he purchased the winery outright and his desire to expand the footprint of the business grew in tandem with the expanding palate of New Zealand viticulture.

With a passion for exceptional wines and an entrepreneurial spirit, he is remembered today as one of the founding fathers of New Zealand winemaking. It’s in his honour that Church Road’s finest TOM wines are named.

The HEART of NEW ZEALAND WINEMAKING

1989 - 1991

On the same site that Steinmetz established and McDonald made his own, the first wine was produced under the Church Road label. Informed by traditional French techniques imparted by winemakers from Bordeaux, Church Road is re-established as the heart of premium winemaking in New Zealand.

CHRIS SCOTT APPOINTED CHIEF WINEMAKER

2005 - Present

Under the steadfast stewardship of five-time Winestate New Zealand Winemaker of the Year, Chris Scott, Church Road continues to craft a portfolio of wines, each with distinction and artistry, honouring those winemakers and viticulturalists that paved the way toward excellence through their artistry.

MEET the WINEMAKERS

CHIEF WINEMAKER

Chris Scott

NEW ZEALAND WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR WINESTATE MAGAZINE

2013

2016

2020

2021

2022

A passion for wine led Chris Scott to Hawke’s Bay. He started his career at Church Road Winery in 1998 as a cellar hand, after previously working summer months at Fernhill and McDonald vineyards while studying for a degree in wine science. In 2005, Chris was appointed Chief Winemaker. His philosophy of executing traditional techniques to add depth of flavour and layers of texture to exceptional quality Hawke’s Bay fruit stands him apart in creating award-winning wines full of character. Chris Scott is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated winemakers having been named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine in 2013, 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

The TEAM

ONE of the WORLD’S TWELVE GREAT WINE CAPITALS

Thanks to its unique selection of soils and microclimates, the Hawke’s Bay region is known for producing excellent wines from a wide range of varietals,including Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.The accolade reflects the quality of the wine at Hawke’s Bay and the experience on offer to visitors, whether that be long vineyard lunches,soaking up live music at events like our Church Road Live Summer Sessions or transport options like the Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail.

“As winemakers we are very lucky to live and work in Hawke’s Bay. Here at Church Road, over 125 years of heritage has given us an enviable understanding of a region that is blessed with a combination of soils and a climate that is perfect for high-quality winemaking.”

CHRIS SCOTT,
CHIEF WINEMAKER CHURCH ROAD

“Hawke’s Bay has been regarded as one of the premier wine growing regions in New Zealand, and indeed the world, for many years and today’s recognition, as one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World, demonstrates this.”


CRAIG THOMAS,
OPERATIONS WINEMAKER

“From Tuki Tuki clays to Gimblett Gravels and further inland to elevated Matapiro terraces, Hawke’s Bay has the mesoclimates and soils to produce high quality examples of most wine styles. Bold and complex reds however are the standouts that the region is deservedly renowned for.”

GRAHAM BARTLEET,
VITICULTURE AREA MANAGER