About Church Road Winery
Church Road Winery is a historic wine estate and functions venue in Napier’s Taradale district. It was originally established in 1897 by Bartholomew Steinmetz (a Luxembourg émigré) to produce wine for the local Marist Brothers Mission, making it one of New Zealand’s oldest continuously operating wineries . In the early 20th century the business was taken over by Tom McDonald (who famously started washing bottles at age 14 and later purchased the site). McDonald expanded the vineyard and facilities vigorously, earning the nickname “founding father” of Kiwi wine – endearing enough that Church Road’s top TOM wine range is named after him . On the very site where Steinmetz and McDonald built the winery, the first Church Road-labelled wine was produced in 1989 , and today the estate is owned by global group Pernod Ricard . In short, Church Road blends heritage architecture and modern winemaking – it’s a century-old cellar under vines, with a cellar-door restaurant, museum tours and award-winning wines. (It even won a 2025 “Best of Wine Tourism” award for excellence in hospitality .)
The property spans about 1.5 hectares of park-like grounds at the foot of Napier’s Sugarloaf Hill . The main event building is the Tom McDonald Cellar, a spacious hall with native tawa wood floors, open New Zealand jarrah beams and copper light fittings that give an old-world, Provencal-meets-Kiwi feel . Beyond that are dining and tasting rooms, a small winery museum, and an exclusive outdoor “container bar” for casual gatherings . Behind glass in the restaurant and museum you’ll see barrel rooms of French-oak barrels aging wine – a nod to Hawke’s Bay’s winemaking history. The kitchen/restaurant serves lunch with locally sourced menus, and the gift shop (bottle shop) sells the full Church Road portfolio (including the famous Reserve CH and TOM series) plus souvenirs. All together, Church Road’s blend of heritage cellars, scenic vine views and tasting facilities makes it a notable Napier landmark for locals and visitors alike .
Events and Programming
Church Road isn’t just a winery – it’s also a popular event venue. Over summer it hosts regular live music sessions, and from time to time there are special festivals or wine events. One example is the annual Church Road “Gwen Summer Sessions” – a series of easygoing Sunday afternoon concerts on the lawn under the vines. Now in its ninth season, these sessions feature mostly local acoustic acts, free-roaming picnics and Church Road wine on tap . Entry is free (with a small $3 “tally” charge at the bar to help cover costs) , and food trucks or the on-site restaurant are open so you can buy lunch or snacks. The winery provides free water and sells its wines, local beer and soft drinks on site, so it’s a relaxed BYO-free environment . Another signature event is *Jazz in the Park*. In April 2025 this all-ages jazz festival returned to Church Road after a 20-year break, billed as a nostalgic “love letter” to the sun-soaked jazz afternoons of the past . That one-day festival (for example) sold tiered general-admission tickets (in 2025, early bird $45 up to $69 as it got closer) , and again featured food, wine and craft beer stalls around the outdoor stage.
Other programming includes wine-centric events and private functions. Church Road often participates in Napier’s Food & Wine Classic (F.A.W.C.). For example, they ran a special “Chardonnay Experience” event where guests toured the winery with the winemaking team, tasted current and heritage vintages, enjoyed a platter lunch, and even took home a commemorative gift set . The venue is also a sought-after spot for weddings, corporate functions, and conferences (the spacious cellar can accommodate seated dinners or theater-style presentations). Because Church Road is a working winery, it offers daily tours as well – see the Booking section below for how to reserve those tasting experiences.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are needed only for special performances and events; general admission to the winery (cellar door tastings and restaurant) is free. For concerts/festivals, tickets are usually sold through organized promoters or the winery’s website. For example, Jazz in the Park was listed via Eventfinda with advance ticket sales and release phases . Gwen Summer Sessions are simpler – no advance ticket is sold, just a $3 payment at the bar on arrival (cash or card as noted) . If you plan to attend a ticketed event, buy early: popular shows can sell out, especially if they have limited seating. Sizing often follows a tiered structure (e.g. earlybird vs second release pricing for big events, as above) – watch the winery’s news page or local event listings for on-sale dates. There is no traditional box office; instead, check *Eventfinda*, *Ticketek/Ticketmaster* NZ or the Church Road website for official links to purchase.
For wine tastings and tours (such as cellar door experiences), bookings can be made directly through Church Road. Their website’s “Visit Us” page shows scheduled tasting offerings. For instance, the flagship “Icon Tasting” is a guided 45–60 minute wine tasting available Thursday through Monday at 10:30am (last booking 3:30pm) , costing about $75. During the busy summer season (Dec–Feb), advance reservations for such tastings and for dining in the Cellar Door Restaurant are essential. Call (06) 826 3200 or email [email protected] to book cellar door tours or restaurant tables . In summary, routine cellar visits usually require no more than showing up or phoning ahead, but larger events and premium tours should be booked well in advance.
Seating and Layout
Church Road’s indoor and outdoor spaces are fairly flexible. The main indoor venue (the Tom McDonald Cellar, named after its founder) can seat up to about 120 people in banquet or theater layout . It is typically set up with round tables for dinners or aligned rows of chairs for presentations and concerts. Any seat in the Cellar is quite good, thanks to its acoustically live design: wooden floors and high rafters give sound warmth, and seating closer to the center of the room provides a balanced audio experience. For acoustic or quieter shows, front tables near the stage are cozy, though in a lively band setting some guests may prefer to sit slightly back to balance the volume. (Avoid the immediate front row if you want more midrange mix; a middle-tier table often hears vocals clearly while still soaking up the atmosphere.)
Outdoors, Church Road’s concert space is simply the grassy vineyard lawn. There are no fixed seats – audiences spread out on blankets or portable chairs. The lawn gently rises toward the vines, so even people sitting far back can see over those in front. For open-air performances like Summer Sessions or Jazz in the Park, best spots are often on the slight hill just behind the front few rows (viewing over the crowd). Bring low-profile chairs or a cushion for ground-level comfort, and a wide-brim hat for sun protection. In the evening or if rain threatens, lighter blankets are handy. Since the lawn faces west up Sugarloaf Hill, afternoon gigs can be quite sunny – seating toward the left side can put the audience at a better angle to the stage if the sun is low in the sky.
The Cellar Door Restaurant has its own layout: a polished dining room with tables beside large windows overlooking the vines, plus an outdoor deck for fine-weather patrons. For an intimate wine tasting, ask to sit at one of the wine-barrel high tables or at bar service (staff are usually happy to accommodate special requests). Note that because the Cellar Door is both a restaurant and tasting room, quieter seating (for conversation) is typically at the back or side, while tables near the entrance or bar see more foot traffic. In general, the venue’s atmosphere is relaxed and informal – there is no strict dress code, though smart-casual for dinners works well. Avoid wearing muddy boots if you plan to walk through vines, and bring a light jacket for cool evenings if seated outside. Lastly, Church Road’s patio and cellar door lounge are popular “spillover” spaces on busy days, so they make nice spots to stand or sit if the main room is full (though they have limited seating and no reserved table service).
Getting There and Parking
Church Road Winery is located at 150 Church Road, Taradale (Napier 4112), right at the base of Sugarloaf Hill . By car it’s about a 10–15 minute drive from either central Napier or Hastings along State Highway 50. If coming from Napier’s city center, take Tennyson Street east past the CBD, then turn onto Saddle Road and Church Road. Waipatu (Hastings) drivers would take Havelock Road/SH50 west and turn north onto Church Road. Ample on-site parking is normally available (the winery has a large visitors’ lot), but for peak events the venue notes that parking is “paid” – this usually means attendants will manage the lot and may charge a fee or recommend overflow lots. For tight spaces, there is street parking near the Taradale Library (on Church Road) which is about a 5-minute walk from the winery. If using public transport, look for GoBay Napier bus routes to Taradale: several city buses pass close by Church Road (the Taradale Library stop on Church Road is within easy walking distance). Rideshare services (Uber, Zoomy) and taxis are also available in Napier and can drop off right at the front gate. Tip: on event days arrive early (by 1–2 pm for afternoon shows) to secure parking and avoid congestion. Napier Airport is roughly 12 km away (a 15–20 min drive), so overseas visitors often fly in and rent a car or taxi directly to the winery.
Inside the Venue
On entering Church Road, guests step into a warm cellar-door atmosphere. The reception area features a tasting bar and wine shop, while a cozy lounge with couches and display cases showcases the winery’s heritage. During normal hours (the cellar door is open Thursday–Monday 10:30–4:30 in winter, extended in summer) you will be greeted by friendly staff who may offer a guided tasting or let you browse the wines. If you have a reservation for lunch, the restaurant staff will seat you in the a la carte dining room. (Note: during special events or concerts, entry is controlled by ticket and you will be directed to the assigned function space.) Generally there is no formal coat check – on a cool day, you may hang jackets on provided racks or keep them at your table. Restrooms are located just inside the building (ground level) and are the only public toilets on site.
Food and drink-wise, Church Road offers a full-service restaurant and bar. The Cellar Door Restaurant menu focuses on local Hawke’s Bay produce – think seasonal salads, hearty mains and shared plates, all chosen to pair with the house wines. The cellar door lounge has a wine bar where you can order wine flights or glasses of Church Road’s range (the flagship Chardonnay, Bordeaux reds, etc.). If there’s an event, the outdoor “container bar” and vendor stalls will serve beer, cider, or casual bites. For example, at the Summer Sessions it is explicitly requested that visitors do NOT bring their own alcohol or food ; instead free water is provided and Church Road’s wine and local beer are on sale. Merchandise (wine by the bottle, branded glasses, etc.) can be purchased at the cellar door counter. Connectivity inside is limited – Wi-Fi is not generally provided for guests, so it’s best to download any travel info beforehand. Music and sound are subdued in daily mode (background jazz or none at all), but during concerts the facility can be quite lively. Security is low-key: aside from buying a ticket or checking in for a tour, you will not normally face any bag searches or metal detectors.
Photography is allowed for personal use (people often snap the vines or barrel rooms), but avoid flash if there are staff or guests nearby. The lighting in the Cellar Room is warm but dimmer for dinner service, so you may need to steady your camera. Cell phone signal is okay inside (slowed by the concrete and barrels) but very strong outdoors. As for dress, the vibe is casual: jeans and summer dresses are fine, though locals sometimes wear New Zealand wool comfies. If you plan to sample wine and then drive, be mindful that Church Road’s tastings are thorough – consider having a designated driver or using a taxi if you drink more than a few glasses. (They will ask for ID if you purchase alcohol – so carry your passport or driver’s license, especially for events where under-18s will drink.)
Nearby Amenities
Just outside Church Road, Taradale offers a small set of conveniences. Within a 5–10 minute walk you’ll find a few cafes, a Thai-Indian fusion restaurant (Red Chilli, about 1.2 km away) and the Taradale RSA bar (local pub, 0.6 km away). There’s also a dairy/convenience store and a bottle liquor store on Gloucester Street near Taradale Library. If you want more variety before or after a winery visit, central Napier (8–10 km south) has dozens of restaurants, from sushi bars to high-end bistros on Marine Parade. Recommended Napier hotels include the Art Deco flagship Scenic Hotel Te Pania on Marine Parade or the historic Napier Heritage (formerly The Central). Havelock North (20 km inland) has charming B&Bs near Te Awa and other wineries. For late-night travel home: note that local buses stop running by about 8pm, so it’s safest to pre-book a taxi or rideshare if events or dinner run late. Conversely, if your concert or tour ends early evening, you can easily grab a late dinner at one of the many Napier eateries (many close around 9–10pm, except the RSA which stays open later with casual pub fare).
What Makes This Venue Special
Church Road stands out in Napier’s wine scene for its combination of history, architecture and community spirit. It is built on the site of one of New Zealand’s first commercial vineyards – over 125 years old – so every cellar brick and oak barrel has a story. Unlike modern minimalist wineries, Church Road’s cellar door feels like an antique wine grotto beneath a classic Kiwi family farm. The Tom McDonald Cellar’s design (with French-oak barrels lining the walls and large wooden beams overhead) creates a sense of place you won’t find in a generic hall . Even quirkier is their “container bar” on the lawn – a repurposed shipping container open for tastings – which has become something of a local photo op. The vineyard setting itself is cinematic: rows of vines stretching up Sugarloaf Hill at sunset, often with sheep or cattle wandering nearby.
Culturally, the winery has been intertwined with Napier life. Locals remember church socials and open-air dances held on those very lawns decades ago. In fact, when Church Road announced its first Jazz in the Park in 2025, press coverage noted it was reviving a beloved late-1990s tradition in Hawke’s Bay . That revival shows how the venue and its audience cherish past community gatherings. On the wine side, Church Road’s name is iconic in New Zealand’s history. Its founder has been featured in industry retrospectives, and its wines (especially the Reserve CH and the top-notch Chardonnays and Bordeaux-style reds) have won multiple awards. For example, Church Road’s 2009 Higginson Estate was even Champion Wine of the Show in the 2010 Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards . Patients-of-wine travel guides frequently highlight Church Road’s Cellar Door Restaurant and underground tunnels as must-see highlights of the region. All these factors – deep heritage, atmospheric cellar spaces, and quality wine – combine to make Church Road Winery a beloved venue for both visitors and winemakers alike.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Church Road has generally flat access and is considered wheelchair-friendly. In one review a guest in a wheelchair noted that staff quickly put them at a convenient table (even accommodating two dogs) so the evening went smoothly . The restrooms are on the ground floor with wide doors. If you have special needs, it’s wise to call ahead, but most visitors find the venue quite accommodating.
What to Bring: If coming on an afternoon event, bring sunscreen, a hat and perhaps a light jacket; weather can change under the open sky. For seating on the lawn, low camp chairs or blankets are helpful. You are not allowed to bring your own alcohol or food to concerts (as noted above ), but bottled water is usually available for free. Cash and cards are accepted at the bars; however, it’s good to have some NZ dollars on hand for smaller vendors. Bring ID if you plan to drink alcohol – they will check it for anyone under 18 at the bar . A fully charged phone and camera will let you share the experience, but remember cell signal can drop off outside the building.
Common Mistakes: The most common pitfalls are underbooking and underestimating travel time. Don’t assume you can pop in for a tour on a busy summer weekend without prior reservation – book your cellar tour or lunch weeks ahead. Arrive at least 30 minutes before any scheduled event to park and get situated. Also, if you want wine to take home, buy it earlier in the visit (day’s end crowds sometimes deplete popular labels). Another tip: confirm cancellation policies. Rain is rare in Napier summer, and outdoor sessions usually happen rain-or-shine, but check the venue’s notice if storms are forecast.
Age Restrictions: Family-friendly events like Gwen Summer Sessions are “all ages” (children’s tickets are typically sold at a reduced price ). Of course, only those 18+ may purchase and consume alcohol. The Cellar Door Restaurant and tours allow teenagers (often with adult supervision). During private functions (like weddings) children are usually allowed, but performance nights are mostly open to everyone.
Dress Code: There is none formal. The ambience is country-casual: think summer dresses, khakis or jeans, and neat shoes. For concerts, wear what’s comfortable for sitting on a lawn. For dinner at the restaurant, many locals wear “slightly dressed up” casual (e.g. a collared shirt or nice top), but a strict jacket is not needed. If it’s evening or breezy, bring a sweater – the venue gets cooler after sunset.
Insider Tips: Ask for recommendations! Church Road staff are usually happy to suggest food–wine pairings or the next wine to try in a tasting flight. Little extras like a quick underground barrel-room tour (ask the guide) can elevate your visit. If you come in summer, check if there’s a late-afternoon tour – that timezone means better lighting in the cellars and a bonus sniff of fermenting barrels. Finally, enjoy the grounds: the vineyard views and old buildings make a great photo backdrop. People often linger after tastings on the lawn to chat with winemakers or fellow visitors.
What are Church Road Winery’s opening hours and days?
The cellar door and restaurant are generally open Thursday through Monday, 10:30 am to around 4:30 pm (last tasting at 4:00 pm) during the winter season . In summer months (late October to Easter), hours extend earlier and later. The restaurant noon–4:30 pm daily, and the Cellar Door often opens by 10 am. It’s best to check Church Road’s website or call (06) 826 3200 for any holiday closures or special event closures.
Do I need to buy tickets to enter Church Road Winery?
No tickets are required for normal wine tasting or museum visits – you can walk in to taste or dine as long as it’s not a ticketed event. For public events (concerts, festivals, or special tastings like the FAWC Chardonnay Experience), you do need tickets through the official sale channels. For example, the Jazz Festival in 2025 was ticketed through an online promoter , whereas the weekly Summer Sessions have free entry (just pay $3 at the bar) .
What is the capacity of Church Road’s main event space?
The largest indoor venue is the Tom McDonald Cellar, which seats up to about 120 people in banquet or theater-style setups . For outdoor events, the lawn can hold several hundred (people sit on blankets/chairs on the grass), but there is no fixed seating; it is general admission. For seated dinners or conferences inside, 80–120 guests is the rough maximum in the Tom McDonald Cellar.
How can I find parking at Church Road Winery and is it free?
Church Road provides its own guest car park onsite for customers. For routine cellar visits the parking is usually free. On large event days, however, attendants may manage the lot and event parking might be charged (some sources note “paid parking” for big events ). If the main lot fills up, there are street parking options on Church Road (near Taradale Library) about a 5 min walk away. In any case, arriving early is recommended. If coming by bus, look for the Taradale Library stop on Church Road; from there it’s a short stroll to the winery.
Does Church Road Winery have wheelchair access?
Yes, the main visitor areas are wheelchair-accessible. The pathways and entry are mostly level, and staff usually assist with seating arrangements. In fact, one reviewer specifically praised how the staff “got us a table where the dogs could join and husband could manage with a wheelchair” . The restrooms are on the ground floor with wide doors. If you have concerns (e.g. guide dog access, etc.), calling ahead is a good idea, but in general the venue accommodates mobility needs.
Can I bring my pet to Church Road Winery?
Pets are not officially advertised as allowed indoors, but well-behaved dogs are often tolerated in outside areas. One TripAdvisor review noted a visitor was allowed to bring two dogs to a Sunday event and found the staff very accommodating . In practice, it’s safest to keep any pet on a leash, remain in outdoor spaces like the lawn or deck, and be prepared to move if management asks. Alcohol licencing may restrict pets inside the bar or restaurant rooms.
Is outside food or drink allowed at Church Road events?
No – outside alcohol and food are not typically allowed at Church Road events. The winery provides free drinking water, but asks that visitors purchase beverages on site. For example, the Summer Sessions explicitly request “no BYO alcohol or food” – instead attendees can buy Church Road wine, local beer and snacks at the venue . If you want to picnic, you may bring your own water and non-alcoholic drinks, but alcoholic drinks must be purchased from the event bar.
Does Church Road Winery offer guided tours or tastings?
Yes. The winery runs guided cellar door tastings, including a premium “Icon Tasting” lasting about 45–60 minutes, which is available Thursday through Monday (last booking in late afternoon) . These are led by staff who explain the winemaking process and features of each wine. The Church Road website allows you to book these tastings (especially recommended in the busy summer season). In addition, the cellar door self-guided “museum” area is open daily, where you can learn about 120+ years of Church Road’s history. No tour is needed just to taste – you can do a simple wine tasting flight at the bar at any time.
What food and drink options are available on site?
Church Road has a full-service Cellar Door Restaurant open for lunch (Wed–Sun with bookings) where you can enjoy a la carte meals paired with the wines. The menu includes locally-sourced appetizers, mains and desserts. The tasting bar offers wine flights and glasses of the estate’s wines (by law, any alcohol must be purchased here). During events, vendors may sell snacks or beer. The winery also makes its own olive oil and sometimes offers small bites like cheese or pate platters for tasting. Soft drinks and water are available as well. If you just want to shop, the front counter sells bottles of all Church Road ranges at retail prices.
Are children allowed at Church Road Winery, and are there age restrictions?
Yes – Church Road is family friendly. Children are welcome at most winery activities (they usually do not have to pay for wine tastings up to a certain age). For concerts like Jazz in the Park or Summer Sessions, there is a children’s ticket (often a nominal charge). However, because alcohol is served, kids under 18 cannot consume anything alcoholic. (Staff will check ID if someone under 18 orders a drink .) Outdoor events often have a casual, picnic atmosphere that many families enjoy. Just remember that if you plan to have wine, you’ll need to arrange transport for any underage attendees.
What is the address and contact info for Church Road Winery?
Church Road Winery is located at 150 Church Road, Taradale, Napier 4112 . The cellar door/restaurant phone is (06) 826 3200 and the email is [email protected]
How far is Church Road from downtown Napier and Hastings?
Church Road is about a 15-minute drive from either downtown Napier or Hastings. As noted on the venue page, it “lies at the foot of Sugarloaf Hill in Taradale, a 15-minute drive from both Hastings and Napier” . By car that typically means 9–10 km from Napier’s centre. Just follow State Highway 50 east from Napier toward Taradale. Public buses connecting Napier and Taradale can get you into the area too, though they’re less frequent in the late evening.
Are there hotels or other attractions near Church Road Winery?
The immediate area is semi-rural, with a few cafes and pubs in Taradale (1–2 km away). For overnight stays, your best bet is central Napier (around 10 km, with many hotels on Marine Parade and Emerson St) or Havelock North (20 km inland, known for boutique B&Bs). Church Road itself has no on-site lodging. Nearby attractions include other Hawke’s Bay wineries (Mosquito Wines, Sherwood Estate are within 5 km) and Napier’s Art Deco city centre. Most visitors plan to pair a Church Road visit with tasting a few other winery cellar doors in this renowned wine region.
What should I avoid doing when visiting Church Road?
Common mistakes to avoid include arriving at the last minute and missing tours or lunch bookings. Always call ahead for wine tasting tours in summer, and arrive at least a half hour early for concerts or busy weekends. Don’t wander into the vineyards or cellars unattended (always stay in public areas). Also, do not bring outside alcohol or large coolers – it’s against venue policy. Finally, note that the winery closes a bit early (around 4:30 pm standard), so plan travel accordingly. If you’re tasting, make sure you have transportation if you intend to drive.
