Established 1851 by the French Marist religious order, Mission Estate are New Zealand's oldest winemaking concern under continuous management. A Mission of French clergy sailed to New Zealand in 1838 with little more than their faith and a few vines. The Society of Mary was founded near Lyon in France. With the blessing of the Pope, a group travelled to the Pacific, arriving in New Zealand in 1838. Besides being a teaching order, the Fathers established a mission station near the Ngaruroro River between Napier and Hastings at Pakowhai. They followed the tradition of running a balanced farm property, fruit trees, cattle, and a vineyard. Mission Estate»