New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay has been named a Great Wine Capital of the world, setting it alongside eleven other prestigious wine regions such as Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA), Bilbao (Spain) and Adelaide (Australia).
The bid was led by Hawke’s Bay Tourism, on behalf of a working group that also included Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Airport and EIT/Te Pūkenga.
Admission to the Great Wine Capitals programme, as the 12th Capital worldwide, comes after a stringent selection process that looks at a region’s winegrowing industry, its history, its wine tourism, educational opportunities, business, and travel, as well as the cities and region itself.
In announcing the news, Hawke’s Bay Tourism CEO, Hamish Saxton said the significance of being named a Great Wine Capital of the world is a remarkable milestone for the region.
“Cyclone Gabrielle may have dealt us a blow, but this recognition shows that Hawke’s Bay is still the top-quality wine destination it always was. The Great Wine Capitals Global Network is already providing fantastic support and information to those wineries impacted by the cyclone. Most of our wineries and cellar doors are now back open and keen to welcome manuhiri. So, whether you’re a wine buff or just like a nice glass with your meal, Hawke’s Bay is the spot for you,” said Hamish Saxton.
Jo Collins, President of the Adelaide, South Australia Great Wine Capitals Steering Committee said: “To be a member of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network requires a Capital to possess something truly ‘great’. Above average. Excellent in a global context. We are thrilled to welcome Hawke’s Bay and the twin cities of Napier and Hastings to our esteemed network.”
“The quality of the wines from this region, their international recognition and unwavering commitment to excellence in grape and wine production, sustainable tourism and education was evident and saw them unanimously voted in by our existing 11 network members,” added Collins.
Hawke’s Bay Wine Chair Sally Duncan said: “The passion and persistence of our wine community and this special place at the bottom of the world has propelled Hawke’s Bay to sit alongside the best in the world.”
Blessed with some of the best wine-growing soils and climates in the country, Hawke’s Bay produces top quality wines that can stand tall with the greatest wine regions in the world, producing more than 40,000 tonnes of grapes and with more than 200 vineyards, 125 wine producers and more than 30 cellar doors.
The region also offers a wonderful tourism experience for those with a passion for the grape. Whether it’s the allure of long vineyard lunches, bike tours between cellar doors or a chance to stock up your wine collection, Hawke’s Bay has become a go to destination for domestic and international visitors alike.
