In a ‘cellar door without a vineyard’, nestled in the heart of Havelock North village, visitors gain a meaningful connection to the Great Wine Capital of Hawke’s Bay thanks to the carefully considered innovative wine tourism experiences on offer at Smith & Sheth’s Oenethèque and the Heretaunga Wine Studio – neighbouring spaces with distinct offerings. At this year’s inaugural Hawke’s Bay Best Of Wine Tourism awards, Smith & Sheth Oenothèque won the Wine Tourism Services award, and Heretaunga Wine Studio took the gong for Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences.
Heretaunga Wine Studio was a disruptor when it opened in 2019, and it remains a clear innovator on the scene. In the stunningly fitted-out, generously sized fusion of a theatre and barrel hall, visitors embark on what is essentially a wine tasting wrapped up in an immersive and educational experience that takes things much deeper. Co-owner Steve Smith and his design team observed that wine tasting can be stressful for people, and the language of wine can be a bit intimidating. In response, they created a space in which guests feel instantly comfortable – the welcome glass of Champagne over which you get to know the host and fellow guests helps! Nothing feels rushed, and in today’s world, a journey prescribed a generous time allowance feels innovative in itself.
Smith & Sheth describes its studio experience as having turangawaewae (a place to stand, a connection to the land) as its foundation, and this shines through in the karanga that welcomes visitors, and the captivating film productions that graces the 10-metre wide screen, which showcase the region’s terroir beautifully as visitors relax into the toffee leather armchairs. Being a barrel hall (you’ll taste wine from those barrels, too), smell is also at play – in fact, all the senses are piqued in the studio experience. None of that would mean as much if it weren’t for the considered, inclusive hosting by industry professionals: this makes the studio experience incredibly memorable.
Smith & Sheth Oenethèque provides a multi-faceted offering with a range of opportunities for visitors to enjoy Hawke’s Bay food and wine country in one urban setting. Everyone from the casual caller to the wine enthusiast will find things to enjoy and to learn about. The oenethèque feels like an unofficial community hub for anyone with an interest in wine in the region, whether local or visiting.
Best of Wine Tourism judge Anna Nielson noted that Smith & Sheth offers “A truly innovative experience that uniquely solves the problem of understanding the terroir of the land from which the grapes are grown, the people who have lovingly produce the wine, and how that combines to create what you taste in the glass – without actually being at that place. Inspired!”
A comment by Smith & Sheth co-founder and, Steve Smith MW:
“The Best Of awards are a significant milestone for us, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and innovation in our wine experiences. I am immensely proud of what our team has achieved and grateful for the recognition from the Great Wine Capitals, firmly cementing Hawke’s Bay as a serious wine tourism destination in the world’s eyes. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional experiences that celebrate the best of our region’s wine culture.”