Te Awa Winery derives its name from the Maori words - Te Awa o Te Atua - that mean River of God, a reference to the subterranean streams over which Te Awa Winery is sited. In 1992 the Lawson family purchased their property on the corner of Ngatarawa Road and State Highway 50 with the intent of growing premium grapes and making fine wine, especially the Bordeaux varieties. In 2002 Te Awa Winery was sold to Julian Robertson. The vineyard is located on land now recognised as part of the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District. An area that produces some of New Zealand's most sought after Cabernet, Merlots and Chardonnay wines. Te Awa Winery is committed to providing guests with a genuinely outstanding New Zealand wine and food experience, based around local Hawke’s Bay produce in a uniquely New Zealand environment.