The Great Wine Capitals Outbound Knowledge Exchange (OKE) Programme in Hawke’s Bay is designed to ignite reciprocal knowledge sharing within the esteemed Great Wine Capitals Global Network and each grant is worth $3,000. It is a programme that has been launched for the first time in 2024 as a benefit of Hawke’s Bay’s current commitment to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.
The three recipients will undertake bespoke journeys to their selected Great Wine Capital of Adelaide, South Australia, engaging with key industry and educational stakeholders. Upon their return, each will share their learnings, within their respective areas of interest, with the wider Hawke’s Bay wine and tourism industries to ensure that the knowledge gained benefits the entire region.
A key focus for each of the recipients is around sustainability of vineyard management and wine production, and specifically includes:
- Ryan Fraser, Vineyard Manager at Paritua Vineyards and Young Viticulturist of the Year national committee – soil and vine health practices that lead to wine quality improvements, with an intent to inform vineyard management goals for growing better grapes and meeting sustainability targets.
- Sara Macdonald, Assistant Winemaker at Sileni Estates – futureproofing against climate change using different grape varieties and regenerative viticulture; learning from University of Adelaide NOLO (no and low alcohol) trial research facility; and meeting with wine and tourism regional bodies to discuss their marketing strategies and Best Of Wine Tourism winning wineries and cellar doors to learn from the innovative experiences they offer.
- Gavin Dalton, Assistant Winemaker at Brookfields Estate and Young Winemaker of the Year national committee – gather knowledge around water saving initiatives that can assist in mitigating climate change effects. Seeking learnings to help wineries to reduce the water use per litre of wine produced.