New Zealand’s Vidal Estate closes Hastings winery

New Zealand’s Vidal Estate has closed the doors of its historic winery and restaurant in Hastings, Hawkes Bay, which was opened by Anthony Vidal in 1905, as it relocates a new winery in Gimblett Gravels.

Vidal winemaker Hugh Crichton.

Sir George Fistonich, also the founder and owner of Villa Maria, purchased the Vidal winery in 1976, opening New Zealand’s first winery restaurant – Vidal Estate Winery Restaurant – at the site three years later.

“It was a difficult decision to sell the property as Vidal was not only our first restaurant, but it was the first winery restaurant in New Zealand, so it holds a lot of historical relevance,” he said. “With the challenges of being nestled in a residential area we had outgrown the facility.

“Vidal Estate’s loyal customers will be able to continue to taste and buy wine direct from the cellar door and enjoy some of the regions finest produce at the new home of Vidal Estate – The Gravels”.

The new winery has been built on the same site as the Te Awa winery, and from 1 October will combine to become the Hawkes Bay home of Vidal Estate, Esk Valley, Te Awa Collection and Villa Maria.

Going forward, all grapes harvested in Gisborne and Hawkes Bay will be made at The Gravels winery, bringing Vidal’s winemaking as close to its vineyards as possible.

“It was an exciting time to move our winemaking base out to the Gimblett Gravels for vintage 2018,” said Vidal winemaker Hugh Crichton.

“While it has been immensely satisfying to ferment and age our wines in the historic cellars in Hastings there’s no denying there were challenges. Being closer to our vineyards and working within a winery designed for quality will without a doubt further push us into the premium market.”

The Gravels at sunset