31st August 2010 Located a little off the beaten track from the usual winegrowing and touristy areas of Hawke's Bay, Brookfields certainly is one of Hawke's Bay's best kept secrets. This winery and restaurant is one of the oldest commercial wineries in Hawke's Bay for one very good reason - they're local and the quality of their produce shows a lot of experience and dedication.
The layout of the premises is inviting, relaxing and really gives guests the feeling of being part of the winemaking experience. Upon entering the main building, one enters a winetasting room where experienced and enthusiastic hosts spoil you with the leading wines in their class and an enticing description of the product and the process that goes into each drop. As you sample their wide variety, you cannot help but notice all the winemaking and cuisine awards on the wall which certainly raises your expectations.
Hosts then have the choice of dining in a wine cellar with a large open fireplace and floor to ceiling wine barrels or elfresco dining outside where one can enjoy a game of petanque in the Hawke's Bay sun.
The food is well presented and the service is excellent. The lamb dishes are amongst the best I have tasted, the seafood exquisite and their breads divine. Every combination clearly has had a lot of thought put into it with emphasis on flavours without the clash.
Pick of the wines are their whites, including Pinot Gris, Reisling and the best Gururztraminer you can find anywhere. For the mains their Syrah and Malbec are certainly special.
The intimate surroundings and personal touches of everything about this place sets it apart from the other places in Wine Country. 5 out of 5.
*Tastings are never a hassle but, as I found, always ring up ahead to check their restaurant hours.
Founded in 1937 Brookefields Vineyards is Hawke's Bays oldest boutique winery.
Blue-Gold Award 2004. Best red table wine, Sydney International Wine Show.
Current owner Peter Robertson purchased Brookefields in 1977 and has since transformed Brookfields into a leading winery. For visitors, a glass of Brookfields wine with lunch at the winery is an experience not to be missed.
31st August 2010 Located a little off the beaten track from the usual winegrowing and touristy areas of Hawke's Bay, Brookfields certainly is one of Hawke's Bay's best kept secrets. This winery and restaurant is one of the oldest commercial wineries in Hawke's Bay for one very good reason - they're local and the quality of their produce shows a lot of experience and dedication.
The layout of the premises is inviting, relaxing and really gives guests the feeling of being part of the winemaking experience. Upon entering the main building, one enters a winetasting room where experienced and enthusiastic hosts spoil you with the leading wines in their class and an enticing description of the product and the process that goes into each drop. As you sample their wide variety, you cannot help but notice all the winemaking and cuisine awards on the wall which certainly raises your expectations.
Hosts then have the choice of dining in a wine cellar with a large open fireplace and floor to ceiling wine barrels or elfresco dining outside where one can enjoy a game of petanque in the Hawke's Bay sun.
The food is well presented and the service is excellent. The lamb dishes are amongst the best I have tasted, the seafood exquisite and their breads divine. Every combination clearly has had a lot of thought put into it with emphasis on flavours without the clash.
Pick of the wines are their whites, including Pinot Gris, Reisling and the best Gururztraminer you can find anywhere. For the mains their Syrah and Malbec are certainly special.
The intimate surroundings and personal touches of everything about this place sets it apart from the other places in Wine Country. 5 out of 5.
*Tastings are never a hassle but, as I found, always ring up ahead to check their restaurant hours.
Brookfields Winery & Restaurant (0.02 km)
Blue Box Ltd (0.1 km)
Mabey R (0.64 km)
The Cleaning Company (0.73 km)
Located a little off the beaten track from the usual winegrowing and touristy areas of Hawke's Bay, Brookfields certainly is one of Hawke's Bay's best kept secrets. This winery and restaurant is one of the oldest commercial wineries in Hawke's Bay for one very good reason - they're local and the quality of their produce shows a lot of experience and dedication.
The layout of the premises is inviting, relaxing and really gives guests the feeling of being part of the winemaking experience. Upon entering the main building, one enters a winetasting room where experienced and enthusiastic hosts spoil you with the leading wines in their class and an enticing description of the product and the process that goes into each drop. As you sample their wide variety, you cannot help but notice all the winemaking and cuisine awards on the wall which certainly raises your expectations.
Hosts then have the choice of dining in a wine cellar with a large open fireplace and floor to ceiling wine barrels or elfresco dining outside where one can enjoy a game of petanque in the Hawke's Bay sun.
The food is well presented and the service is excellent. The lamb dishes are amongst the best I have tasted, the seafood exquisite and their breads divine. Every combination clearly has had a lot of thought put into it with emphasis on flavours without the clash.
Pick of the wines are their whites, including Pinot Gris, Reisling and the best Gururztraminer you can find anywhere. For the mains their Syrah and Malbec are certainly special.
The intimate surroundings and personal touches of everything about this place sets it apart from the other places in Wine Country. 5 out of 5.
*Tastings are never a hassle but, as I found, always ring up ahead to check their restaurant hours.