de la terre is a winery at 1426 Taihape Road in Sherenden, Hastings, on the Napier-Taihape Road. It is about 20 minutes' drive from Taradale or Hastings, through scenic pastureland. The winery describes itself as Hawke's Bay's only earth brick winery. Its wines are full-flavoured, elegant and balanced, and sit outside the mainstream style for their varieties. Food and wine matching is a particular focus.
The fruit is hand-picked and handled gently, with minimal handling in the winery to keep the character of the fruit. Everything is bottled on site, each bottle is hand-labelled, and Reserve wines are individually numbered. The winery is open 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, from the first weekend in October to King's Birthday weekend in June. It may close for a few weeks in March and April for the grape harvest. It is also open on some public holidays, but is closed on Hawke's Bay Anniversary, Labour Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Matariki. The dining area is small, so booking is recommended for the café. Phone +64 6 874 3224 or 021 239 8117.