Mission Estate are steeped in history and an essential part of colonial New Zealand culture, their winemaking however is very new world, an enduring bond between contemporary excellence and sacred traditions
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»
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