Like about 160 years of it, although the foundations of the present hillside site were not put down until 1897 after the brothers of the Marist Mission recognised their initial Meeanee site was very flood prone.
They'd arrived in 1838 and while, of course, the Lord was on their minds, so too was creating a drop or two of wine and by 1851, vines had been planted to produce sacramental and table wines. There are records which show they even sold some in 1870.
And so when they went the hillside way in 1897, they again planted vines on the gently sloping lands as well as the terraced area which for the past 20-odd years has been the stage site for the Mission Concert.
The outlying flatlands are now filled with vines and driving up that long road into the estate, you appreciate the scale of the Mission's winescape.
What was once a seminary for priests and students (until 1991) is now the centrepiece for Mission wines, and for fine food and a fine slice of history - some of the old photographs will easily distract you from your tasting in the wonderful cellar door spread.
I am always intrigued by that glass-topped cased old bottle (from a vintage long past) which is sealed into the main entranceway. From what I've come across on the several occasions I have visited, it must be one of the most photographed bottles in the Bay.
The shining, glowing stained and polished timbers throughout, and the equally polished barrels and glassware, make the occasion very special - as does stepping out into the gardens and amidst the outdoor dining tables.
The view, the gardens, the landscaping and the overall ambience is breathtaking.
Winemaker Paul Mooney has his own substantial Mission history, having been steering the production side of things for 30 years.
His experience is well-known throughout the New Zealand wine industry, although he's a modest chap who simply enjoys getting on with making fine wines.
With viticulturist Steve Wheeler overlooking the welfare and supply of the valuable fruit, it's all in good hands.
The awards and accolades are all there and Mission wines are internationally renowned.
And they try things and like to embrace their history having produced a lower alcohol-level pinot gris as well as commemorating the 50th anniversary of producing their first sparkling wine by making a limited edition anniversary one.
Check out
*Mission Estate: Church Rd, Greenmeadows
*Taste: Vineyard Selection, Reserve, and Jewelstone wines and five years in the making, Mission Huchet Syrah.
*Cellar Door: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm, Sunday: 10am - 4.30pm. There are also twice daily historic tours.
*Conference and function rooms, and the multi-award-winning restaurant.
