History in the making

We’ve faced floods, earthquakes, and shifting times – and kept going, not in spite of nature, but alongside it. From our earliest days, Mission Estate has grown with Hawke’s Bay, guided by generations of quiet innovation and enduring care. From modest beginnings to pioneering firsts and international recognition, these milestones shaped who we are, and helped define New Zealand’s winemaking story.

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1851: The start of a winemaking legacy

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In 1851, a group of French missionaries brought with them generations of winemaking knowledge and a few treasured vines to the Hawke’s Bay. Their vision was humble but enduring: to establish a self-sufficient mission that included a vineyard. Through seasons of challenge and change, they cultivated grapes alongside orchards and farmland, continuing the French tradition of wine as part of daily life. Their belief in craft, community, and care for the land became the foundations of Mission Estate’s winemaking philosophy – still present in every bottle today.

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Leading the way in New Zealand winemaking
In 1870, Brother Cyprian Huchet, son of a Loire Valley vigneron, rose to the role of Cellar Master and made history by crafting and selling New Zealand’s first recorded commercial wine. That spirit of innovation continued over the next century. Mission Estate produced the country’s first Méthode Traditionelle in 1963, and in 1983, created New Zealand’s first whole bunch-pressed, barrel-fermented Chardonnay – helping establish Hawke’s Bay as the country’s Chardonnay capital. These early ‘firsts’ weren’t just milestones – they helped define an entire industry.
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A home with history
The story of Mission Estate is also one of resilience. In 1909, the Mission’s main house was painstakingly moved from flood-prone land to its current site in Taradale – cut into eleven sections and hauled nearly five kilometres by traction engine. Then, in 1931, the Hawke’s Bay earthquake struck. The devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake destroyed much of the estate and claimed nine lives. Rebuilding began soon afterwards.
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A commitment to innovation and sustainability
From early hand-tended vines to solar-powered winery equipment, innovation has always been part of who we are. In the 1990s, Mission Estate became a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand and was the first winery in the country to achieve ISO 14001 certification. These commitments continue across our vineyards, cellar, and hospitality – part of a philosophy that looks beyond each vintage to the next generation.
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Honouring the past, embracing the future
Mission Estate’s longevity is thanks to generations of stewards, each contributing to a shared legacy. In 2024, longtime winemaker Paul Mooney, who trained under Brother John Cuttance, retired after more than 40 vintages. His protégé, Alex Roper, leads Mission’s winemaking with a deep respect for heritage and a clear vision for a sustainable future.

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