In 1981, Pask planted the first vines in an ancient Ngaruroro riverbed, founding what would become Hawke’s Bay’s renowned Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district. More than 40 years later, the Pask winemaking team remains as passionate as ever about creating wines to be shared and enjoyed.
Every bottle of Pask wine reflects decades of experience, a deep respect for the land, and the care taken at every stage of the winemaking process - an elegant expression of our unique terroir.
The Beginning of Pask Winery
While flying above the ancient Ngaruroro riverbed in his topdressing plane, founder Chris Pask recognised the potential of the landscape below. The valley’s sun-kissed, light, stony soils - sheltered from the Pacific breeze - offered ideal conditions for winegrowing.
It was here, over four decades ago, that Pask’s first vines were planted, marking the beginning of what would become one of New Zealand’s most distinctive wine regions.
The First Vintage and the Gimblett Gravels
Pask’s maiden vintage, a prized 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon, signalled the emergence of the Gimblett Gravels as a world-class winegrowing district. This milestone established Pask as the region’s founding growers and helped shape the identity of Hawke’s Bay wine for generations to come.
Stewardship and Winemaking Today
Now under the care of the Benton Family, Pask’s commitment to producing authentic wines has only grown stronger. Our award-winning winemaking team employs sustainable methods to ensure both quality and consistency across every vintage.
We maintain hands-on involvement throughout the entire winemaking process, from grape-picking across our 60 hectares of vineyards to bottling onsite at our Hawke’s Bay winery.
A Dedicated Team and Enduring Wines
At Pask, we are dedicated to producing enduring, high-value wines. Our winery is supported by a small team of devoted individuals who share a passion for craftsmanship and take pride in creating something special in every bottle.
