For the creation of world-class wines, especially fine reds like syrahs, it is remarkable and in the Bordeaux sense, immensely fertile.
It did not start to spark until the early 80s, although before the reds arrived there had been some plantings of chenin blanc and muller thurgau.
Astute members of the expanding winemaking fraternity recognised the region, and it has not looked back.
Today, the landscape is of great swathes of vines and stunning vineyard estates whose architecture is, like the wines, world class.
The Gimblett Gravels is part of the geographical/geological magic which Hawke's Bay has for the growing of great grapes.
It is recognised in Europe, the United States and the Far East.
A place where once you couldn't give the land away, and where apparently you needed three acres to grow enough grass to feed one sheep.
It got its name from William John Gimblett, who ended up came to the region with his family after immigrating from England in 1872.
In 1904, he purchased the gravelly ground known as "the riverbed" for 4 ($8) an acre.
What he would make of today's use of the land he toiled to farm is anyone's guess, but I daresay he would be proud.
The Hawke's Bay wine industry is buoyant, exciting and a centrepiece of our economy.
And it has great history.
And to think, I once hit 160km/h where now syrah vines form the finish line.
