Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate vineyard is established on an ancient river terrace in Mangatahi, Hawke's Bay, with dry stony free draining soil. It is close to the central mountain chain that protects the Bay from most of the prevailing western weather. It also has hills to North, South and to some extent the East as well. This has the effect of sheltering the vineyard from the influence of the sea. Typically the summers are hot and dry, with cooler night time temperatures compared to other wine growing areas of Hawke's Bay. This extends the ripening period of the grapes allowing them to develop more concentrated flavours.