It will be a must-do event for wine lovers when the cellar doors of 38 of the region’s finest wineries come together at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Celebration, being held in Auckland and Wellington this month. This is a unique opportunity to meet the winemakers while sampling award-winning wines. The event will showcase 50 Chardonnays, 38 Syrah, more than 30 Merlot Cabernet blends, as well as aromatic Riesling and Gewurztraminer through to newcomers Albarino, Tempranillo and luscious dessert wines.
Two of New Zealand’s most renowned wine experts have been secured to host the new F.A.W.C! Masterclasses, which will feature food and wine pairings in two exclusive, strictly limited sessions. Hosting in Wellington, on September 17, will be wine judge, author and TV host Yvonne Lorkin. The Auckland event on September 24 will be taken by wine editor Bob Campbell.
Lorkin has been immersed in wine for more than a decade and is host and producer of wine TV show Thirsty Work, and a wine columnist for more than 10 publications throughout New Zealand. Campbell was the second New Zealander and one of only 340 people in the world to hold the Master of Wine qualification. He too writes for many wine publications and columns around the country.
“We believe these two heavyweights are the perfect pair to host our first F.A.W.C! Masterclasses, and will be hugely entertaining and informative,” Michael Henley, chairman of the Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Association. “This is our largest showcase of the region’s wines to date, and we anticipate these sought-after Masterclasses will sell out fast.”
Formerly Hot Red Hawke’s Bay, the Hawke’s Bay Wine Celebration has two sessions in both cities, and each will feature two 45-minute F.A.W.C! Masterclasses – Classic Reds with Food Pairings, and Chardonnay with Food Pairings.
The Hawke’s Bay Wine Celebration tickets are $55 per person and includes hundreds of wine tastings and two food tokens. F.A.W.C! Masterclasses are an addition $15 each. For tickets, go to eventfinda.co.nz
