HAWKE’S BAY

Unicorn wines, explains Michael Henley of Smith & Sheth, are those rarities, those little mouthfuls of magic, that you won’t find at just any cellar door. “They’re wines worth exploring, wines worth sharing,” he begins. “They’ll challenge your senses. And they’re cool – incredible wines you’ve probably never heard of.”

I’m beginning a journey into the unknown with Mike and his team at the Heretaunga Studio – Hawke’s Bay’s newest and most stimulating cellar door experience. The studio is located just a few steps from the equally new Smith & Sheth Oenothèque – an inviting, thoughtfully designed wine bar where it’s dangerously easy to while away an hour over a bottle with a friend. Both are owned and operated by Master of Wine and experienced winemaker Steve Smith and his Texan business partner Brian Sheth. And they’re refusing to do anything by halves.

Arguably the best way to start your Hawke’s Bay