Sileni Estates Ltd
The Vineyards
There are two separate vineyard sites, both on old river gravels, but with quite different heat accumulation and suited to different varieties. The gravels are very free draining & warm up early in the season, allowing the vines a head start on their growth compared to heavier soils. Reduced availablity of water also controls the vigour of the vines, giving smaller crops with more concentrated flavours.
The warmer site surrounding the winery on the western Heretaunga Plains, known as the Triangle, is only 15-20 metres above sea level. It is well suited to the Bordeuax varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Semillon because of its warm, sheltered aspect & long growing season.
Further inland & 100 metres higher in altitude, the Plateau vineyard site is significantly cooler, providing the ideal acid balance for the cooler climate Burgundy varieties of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. In addition Sileni Estates sources Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough.

The Winery
The Sileni Estates winery is a state-of-the-art facility designed to crush 1500 tonnes of fruit using both high-tech and traditional winemaking methods. Gentle air-bag presses & temperature controlled tanks give precise control of grape juice quality, while open top red wine fermenters & insulated barrel cellars provide for more time-honoured techniques.

The Wines
The Sileni wines are based on classic varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Semillon from Bordeaux, as well as Pinot Noir & Chardonnay from Burgundy. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling & Syrah. Crafted using traditional techniques based on an understanding of the scientific analysis of both juice & wine, the wines are complex & mouthfilling, with great length and finesse. They are approachable young but offer long cellaring potential.

Wine Education Center
The wine education centre has a display of antique winemaking equipment, informative wine prints on the walls & information on how to make the most of your wine tasting. If you are keen to learn more about the making of wine there are vineyard & winery tours at 11am & 2pm. Large groups need to book.

Gourmet Food Store
The gourmet food store is full of deli delights from truffles to extra virgin olive oils, luxury chocolates to Italian pasta. With product from around the world including Fauchon from Paris, Fortnum & Mason from London & Peter Watson from Australia & a great selection from Hawkes Bay, it is a food lovers paradise, variously described as "the best delicatessen this side of New York" & also "like walking into Harrods".
Don't miss the cheese room. This room is a temperature & humidity controlled walk-in store room of the best cheeses from New Zealand & around the world. Sileni takes great care of all the cheeses ensuring that whether you want a perfectly ripened brie from France, a chunk of vintage gouda from New Zealand or a shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy, your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Culinary School
The Sileni Culinary School offers excellence in instruction, within a total culinary learning experience. Day & evening classes are offered for the enthusiast interested in good food & wishing to hone their skills. Teaching takes place in the purpose built demonstration kitchen.

Restaurant
Sileni Estates restaurant offers both alfresco & intimate dining options in their award winning restaurant. Our Executive Chef draws inspiration for seasonal menus by taking advantage of the best of local Hawke's Bay produce.
Open daily from 11am & for evening dining from 6pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.
Contact
Phone: +64 6 879 8768
Fax: +64 6 879 7187
Postal
Address: 		PO Box 2234 Stortford Lodge Hastings New Zealand
Delivery
Address: 		2016 Maraekakaho Road RD 1 Bridge Pa Hastings New Zealand
Staff
Owner: Graeme Avery & Grant Edmonds
Manager: Grant Edmonds
Sales: Graeme Avery
Marketing: Pip Austin
Winemaker: Grant Edmonds
Assistant Winemaker: Nigel Davies
Producer Details
Opening Hours: 10.00am - 5.00pm Daily
Vineyards: 100
Production: 25000
Winery Tours: No
Facilities: Culinary School, Gourmet Centre, Restaurants, Conference facilities, Private dining
Newsletter: Yes -
Wineclub: No
Sales
Cellar Door: Yes
Internet: Yes
Direct Mail: Yes
Via Retailers: Yes
Wines from this Producer
Sileni Cellar Selection Rosé | 2002
Sileni Chardonnay | 2000
Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Merlot Cabernet Franc | 2002
Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc | 2004
Sileni Estates Semillon | 2003
Sileni Merlot Cabernet | 2000
Sileni Pourriture Noble | 2001
Sileni Semillon | 2001