This prestigious title was bestowed upon Hawke’s Bay following a rigorous selection process that evaluated various criteria, including the region’s winegrowing industry, history, wine tourism experiences, education, business, and travel opportunities.
Hamish Saxton, the CEO of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, expressed the significance of this achievement, highlighting that it not only recognises the outstanding quality of Hawke’s Bay wines but also positions the region uniquely within New Zealand and the global wine industry. This accolade is a testament to the region’s dedication to delivering an unforgettable wine tourism experience that reflects the essence of its land, people, and way of life.
The bid for Great Wine Capital status was led by Hawke’s Bay Tourism in collaboration with key stakeholders such as Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Airport, and EIT/Te Pūkenga, with support from New Zealand Winegrowers.
By joining the prestigious company of wine regions like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Adelaide, Hawke’s Bay has solidified its position as a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Known for its exceptional Red Blends, Chardonnay, aromatic whites, and impressive Syrah, the region boasts over 200 vineyards, 125 wine producers, and 30 cellar doors. The diverse landscapes of plains, mountains, valleys, and coastal cliffs further enhance the wine-tasting experience.
Visitors to Hawke’s Bay can explore the region’s highly acclaimed wines through various avenues, including well-developed cycle trails, architecture and wine tours in classic cars, and indulgent vineyard lunches. The Great Wine Capital designation recognises the region’s commitment to excellence and provides a catalyst for further growth in wine tourism.
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network, established in Bordeaux in 1999, comprises 12 of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Its mission is to foster the prosperity of wine-related industries, communities, and tourism in these regions through collaboration on numerous projects spanning industry, tourism, education, business, and travel.
As part of this prestigious network, Hawke’s Bay stands proudly alongside Adelaide, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Cape Town, Lausanne, Mainz, Mendoza, Porto, San Francisco, Valparaiso, and Verona, solidifying its position as a world-class wine destination.
