Smith & Sheth

“Epic” is the best word to describe the sensory journey at Smith & Sheth. Sit back in plush leather seats while a sommelier guides the room through an in-depth tasting of cru (a group of vineyards) wines, which are accompanied by a widescreen mini-movie about Aotearoa's wine-growing regions. The sommeliers tailor this two-hour blockbuster experience for each group so even very knowledgeable wine drinkers can learn more about winemaking. Guests can get hands-on using a “barrel thief” to syringe a wine sample from a barrel to test its fermentation level. The experience is excellent for those who want to advance their understanding of wine or Hawke's Bay visitors who are short on time and unable to visit vineyards on the outskirts of Hastings. The studio must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. The Courtyard, Village Exchange, 4 Te Aute Road, Havelock North. (06) 650 5550, smithandsheth.com