This area is defined by unique, free-draining shingle soils and average temperatures up to three degrees hotter than most other areas in Hawkes Bay, resulting in full-bodied, complex and elegant red wines. Characterised by high sunshine hours and diversity of landscape and soil types, the Gimblett Gravels sub-region has earned a reputation as one of the finest wine-producing regions in the world for classically styled Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.