Unison Hawkes Bay: A Hidden Gem in New Zealand

Address

Unison Vineyard 2163 Highway 50 RD5, Hastings Hawke’s Bay

Description

New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country is Hawke’s Bay! The bountiful food, the beautiful wine, the extensive landscape – it all exists here. So come visit this country that isn’t too far away at all; you are very welcome to do so.

Located on the east coast of the North Island, Hawkes Bay is a region known for its stunning coastal scenery, delicious food and wine, and rich history. But for those in the know, the real treasure of Hawkes Bay is Unison.

What is Unison?

Unison is a small, family-owned winery that has been producing world-class wines in Hawkes Bay for over 30 years. The winery is run by husband and wife team Neil and Jude McCallum, who have a passion for creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards. They started the winery in 1989 with a dream to produce wines that truly reflect the unique character of the Hawkes Bay region. They are committed to sustainable winemaking practices and constantly experimenting with new techniques to improve the quality of their wines.

The Vineyards

Unison’s vineyards are located in the Gimblett Gravels area of Hawkes Bay, known for its gravelly soils and warm, dry climate. These conditions are ideal for growing Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The McCallums also grow Syrah, Viognier, and Chardonnay. These vineyards are hand-tended and hand-harvested, with a focus on low yields to ensure maximum concentration and intensity in the grapes. The vineyards are also managed with a focus on sustainability, with a goal of minimizing the use of chemicals and water.

The Wines

Unison’s wines have received numerous awards and accolades, with many receiving high scores from leading wine critics. The winery is particularly known for its Bordeaux-style blends, which are a perfect reflection of the unique terroir of the Gimblett Gravels. Here are some of the wines that you can expect to find at Unison:

Wine	Description
Cabernet Sauvignon	A full-bodied wine with a strong tannic structure and notes of black fruit, cassis, and chocolate. It is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months before being bottled.
Merlot	A medium-bodied wine with soft tannins and flavors of plum, black cherry, and chocolate. It is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months before being bottled.
Syrah	A full-bodied wine with a spicy, peppery character and notes of dark fruit and black pepper. It is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months before being bottled.
Chardonnay	A medium-bodied wine with flavors of stone fruit, citrus, and a hint of oak. It is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months before being bottled.

Unison also produces a limited amount of single varietal wines, such as Viognier, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. These wines are made in small batches and are only available to purchase at the winery or through a wine club.

Visiting Unison

Unison’s tasting room is open by appointment only, and tours of the winery and vineyards can also be arranged. This intimate setting allows visitors to truly appreciate the care and attention that goes into each bottle of Unison wine. Visitors can taste a selection of current release wines, and also have the opportunity to purchase exclusive wines and purchase wines not available for retail.

If you’re a wine lover planning a trip to Hawkes Bay, make sure to put Unison on your itinerary. This hidden gem is sure to impress.