Ready to welcome visitors year-round, accessibility has been ensured at Hawke’s Bay cellar doors with the vast majority offering wheel-friendly solutions to ensure everyone can discover the region’s famed Syrah, Bordeaux blends and Chardonnay. Leading wineries such as Craggy Range and Elephant Hill, offer wheelchair-friendly tours, alongside ramps and accessible bathrooms. Even the most scenic location in the region, Te Mata Peak, boasts an accessible lookout point, allowing everyone to soak in the panoramic views.
Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, for the community
Hawke’s Bay’s wine industry takes pride in its community engagement, including its lengthy support of Cranford Hospice, Hawke’s Bay’s palliative care service, through the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction. Established in 1991, the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction is the oldest wine auction in New Zealand. The event sees the region’s wineries and winemakers offer unique and invaluable lots for auction at no cost. All funds raised go to supporting the Hospice services. What’s more, wine lovers will relish the opportunity to get involved by attending either the preview event, where guests can sample some of the unique lots prior to auction, or the auction itself, a 4.5-hour event that ends with a fun and lively auction. The auction happens each year during August-September.
Wine festivals are another fantastic way to engage with the Hawke’s Bay food and wine community. The annual F.A.W.C! (Food and Wine Classic) festival is a highlight, offering a fusion of culinary creativity and wine excellence, all warmly presented by local communities with a passion for sharing a taste of Hawke’s Bay. F.A.W.C! is also a fantastic opportunity to discover the culinary delights of Hawke’s Bay’s hidden gems, including Māhia, where previous events have been held on local marae (Māori meeting house) or deep in Central Hawke’s Bay farming country.
Photo credit: HBWA ’19