Hawke’s Bay was named a Great Wine Capital of the world on 23 May 2023, joining international heavyweights such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley, South Australia and Mendoza. One year on, and the incredible accolade continues to garner national and international attention, thrusting Hawke’s Bay up the must-visit list for travel agents, writers and visitors alike.
Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive Officer for Hawke’s Bay Tourism, says being a Great Wine Capital is a truly global recognition for the region.
“As more and more regions recognise the value of culinary tourism, Hawke’s Bay’s status as the newest Great Wine Capital of the world is the best evidence yet that we are New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country.
“We invite everyone to join with us this Thursday 23 May in raising a glass of Hawke’s Bay wine to celebrate the first anniversary of the region officially joining the world’s elite wine tourism destinations.”
Admission to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network was a timely and critical boost to the region following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. It came only after a stringent selection process, which looked at the region’s winegrowing industry, history, wine tourism, educational opportunities, business, and travel, as well as the cities of Hastings and Napier themselves.
Brent Linn, Executive Officer for Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers, says membership of the Great Wine Capitals network endorses Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as one of the world’s premium wine regions.
“Great Wine Capitals membership has enabled our members to access valuable connections and relationships that support their wine businesses, while telling the story of Hawke’s Bay wine to a global audience,” says Brent.
The accolade has also been instrumental in securing multiple opportunities for knowledge exchange across the region’s wine industry, and has recently resulted in 12 Hawke’s Bay wines being selected as New Zealand’s first wines to be available for tastings at the world-famous Cité Du Vin, a cultural venue dedicated to wine in Bordeaux, France.
Ben Tombs, Chief Winemaker for Craggy Range, says Great Wine Capitals status is an incredible achievement for the region to be collectively awarded.
“Hawke’s Bay has many iconic vineyards producing fine wine, and it’s fantastic for our identity to be recognised globally,” says Ben.
To celebrate the anniversary milestone, Hawke’s Bay Airport is inviting arriving and departing passengers on Thursday to raise a glass at a Bellatino’s Aeroporto wine tasting between 2pm-5pm.
Hawke’s Bay’s involvement in the Great Wine Capitals programme is a partnership between Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Hawke’s Bay Wine, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Airport, EIT and Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency.