Elephant Hill
Elephant Hill Winery is situated at coastal Te Awhanga in the Hawkes Bay region of the North Island of New Zealand, not far from the art deco city of Napier. Owned by a German couple who fell in live with the region, it is one of the newest wineries in the area with immaculate lawns and striking modern architecture. However, a surprise awaits visitors as they approach the winery, restaurant and tasting area. Situated on a concrete plinth in the lawn immediately in front to the imposing buildings is an equally imposing statue of a Burmese elephant, trunk raised and charging forward with a load of passengers on its back.
The elephant becomes an immediate magnet for visitors who want their photograph taken with it and the background of grape vines.
The stylish Elephant Hill Restaurant overlooks the vineyard across a reflecting infinity pool. Every feature of this establishment is different from most other wineries in New Zealand, except perhaps the Craggy Range and Black Barn wineries also in the Hawkes Bay area which have similarly stylish and first class restaurants.
Apart from the stylish restaurant, the winery also featured some equally stylish wines.