In 2023, Hawke’s Bay joined global heavyweights such as Bordeaux (France), Bilbao-Rioja (Spain) and San Francisco-Napa Valley (USA), as the newest Great Wine Capital of the world.

And now the magnificent team at Hawke’s Bay Tourism – passionately led by Chief Executive Hamish Saxton – has done it again. Further solidifying Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as a leading destination in global wine tourism and as a Great Wine Capital of the world, Hawke’s Bay Tourism has presented its inaugural Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism awards, recognising four local businesses for their outstanding contributions to the wine-tourism industry across seven categories.

The room was filled with Hawke’s Bay wine royalty as this outstanding group of operators scooped up their prestigious category wins using words that demonstrated just how much this recognition will mean for the future of not only their own businesses but for the entire region.

ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPE WINNER:
CRAGGY RANGE GIANTS WINERY

CULINARY EXPERIENCES WINNER:
CRAGGY RANGE RESTAURANT
DAVID PEABODY JNR,
CRAGGY RANGE VINEYARDS

“All those who live in this region know how special it is, and it is inspiring to see it receiving recognition on a global platform. Our family searched all over the world for the perfect destination to start our dream and there is a reason they chose Hawke’s Bay. We are humbled to receive these inaugural awards. They allow Hawke’s Bay to show that it is a world-class tourism destination focussing on food and wine.”

ACCOMMODATION WINNER:
BLACK BARN VINEYARDS

ART & CULTURE WINNER:
BLACK BARN VINEYARDS
KIM THORP,
BLACK BARN VINEYARDS

“Many wine and hospitality-related award opportunities cross our desks and we pass on many of them. However, this connection with Hawke’s Bay’s recent acknowledgement as one of the 12 Great Wine Capitals of the world, has significance beyond our shores. Anything that can help achieve global recognition for Hawke’s Bay as a premium wine-and-food destination has to be a good thing. The winning of these and the retention of our ‘hat’ at the Cuisine Good Food Awards will be the year’s highlights.”

INNOVATIVE WINE TOURISM EXPERIENCES WINNER:
SMITH & SHETH HERETAUNGA WINE STUDIO

WINE TOURISM SERVICES WINNER:
SMITH & SHETH OENOTHÈQUE
STEVE SMITH MW,
SMITH & SHETH

“These 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.”

SUSTAINABLE WINE TOURISM PRACTICES WINNER:
CHURCH RD BRENT PILCHER, CHURCH ROAD

“Sustainability is an important pillar and value at Church Road. It is at the forefront of everything we do and we ensure our guests learn about our sustainability measures including our Tiaki promise and Responsible Hosting certification. After being named one of the Great Wine Capitals of the world last year, these awards only solidify further that Hawke’s Bay is a leading destination in global wine tourism and our team is dedicated to continuing to strive to be sustainable and responsible at every step, from grain to glass.”

Chair of the Hawke’s Bay Tourism Board, George Hickton, says that this international positioning has always been an important part of three essential principles of tourism marketing: country first, region second and product third. “We started with FAWC! (Food and Wine Classic) as the essential quality-consumer indulgent experience. This was followed by formulating Hawke’s Bay’s brand positioning as New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country which is strongly underpinned not only by the wine industry but also by being the country’s largest food producer. International positioning has now been achieved with Hawke’s Bay being accepted as New Zealand’s member of the exclusive Great Wine Capitals global network alongside luminaries such as Bordeaux, Verona, Porto, Napa and Adelaide.”

As Cuisine went to print these extraordinary category winners were representing Hawke’s Bay at the Best Of Wine Tourism international awards in Verona, Italy, where one outstanding entry will be recognised as a global winner by an international panel of judges, including representatives from each Great Wine Capital.

Stay tuned to hawkesbaytourism.nz and cuisine.co.nz for updates