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A bold new addition to Hawke’s Bay’s wine tourism landscape has opened its doors, with Swift Wines launching its first cellar door in Fernhill.
Located on Mere Road, the new tasting room marks a major milestone for winemaker Lauren Swift, who established her namesake label in 2016.
“It’s been a great start for us,” Lauren says. “We’ve had heaps of people coming to visit, check out our garden and sample the wines. The feedback has been fantastic – they’re loving the vibrant, sunshiny vibes out here.”
Open from 11am, six days a week through summer, the cellar door offers a relaxed, family-friendly experience with a pick-your-own-platter concept featuring local cheeses, cured meats, olives and snacks.
Visitors can taste six of Swift Wines’ new-generation styles, including a Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, modern Syrah and two sparkling wines — Marceline and Pipi. The latter, a sparkling Albariño, is one of New Zealand’s first of its kind.
“We only produced 1500 bottles and they’re flying out the door for summer,” Lauren says.
Lauren, who was named New Zealand’s inaugural Young Winemaker of the Year in 2015, runs the business with her husband Henry Williams. She says her winemaking philosophy is intuitive and inspired by global experience rather than formula.
“I don’t follow any particular recipe when creating my wines,” Lauren says. “I much prefer to use my intuition and take inspiration from what I’ve experienced while working and travelling the world.”
Swift Wines sources fruit from the Two Terraces vineyard and Abbey Winery in Bridge Pa, and partners with smaller vineyards throughout Hawke’s Bay. The winemaking process follows minimal intervention, with Chardonnay pressed straight to barrel and each barrel treated individually through fermentation and ageing before blending a year later.
Outside of their own label, Lauren and Henry operate Custom Crush, a contract winemaking business, while raising their two young sons.
“It’s exciting to open a cellar door for Swift,” Lauren says. “It’s a fun, accessible way for people to get to know our wines — whether they’re long-time fans or first-time visitors.”
Tastings are $18 per person, refunded with the purchase of two bottles. Dogs are welcome at the cellar door.
