Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine region, has joined 11 other global wine heavyweights as the newest Great Wine Capital of the world.
Hawke’s Bay was selected through a stringent process that looks at a number of factors, including a region’s winegrowing industry, its history, its wine tourism experiences, educational opportunities, business and travel, as well as the cities and the region itself.
Hawke’s Bay Tourism CEO, Hamish Saxton, says the significance of being named a Great Wine Capital of the world is a remarkable milestone for the region.
“Hawke’s Bay’s inclusion as one of just 12 Great Wine Capitals of the world is of regional and national significance.
“It is recognition that Hawke’s Bay wines are among the world’s best and that our nation’s wine growing industry, while still young, offers quality to rival the world’s oldest.”
Saxton says this new achievement gives Hawke’s Bay a unique positioning in New Zealand and the world.
“It is a true legacy for the region and will continue to deliver benefits to industry, education, business and tourism for the years to come.”
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, and was supported by New Zealand Winegrowers.
“Hawke’s Bay being granted the status of a Great Wine Capital is a major achievement and is a testament to the region’s commitment to providing visitors with an unforgettable wine tourism experience that captures the essence of their land, people, and way of life,” says Charlotte Read, General Manager Marketing, New Zealand Winegrowers.
“To join prestigious wine regions such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Adelaide is a proud moment for Hawke’s Bay, and an exciting time for New Zealand wine tourism.
“This achievement is not only a recognition of Hawke’s Bay’s successes, but a catalyst for further growth in wine tourism, putting Hawke’s Bay, and New Zealand, firmly on the world stage as a must-visit destination for wine lovers,” says Read.
Vines were first planted in Hawke’s Bay in 1851 by Marist missionaries and is best known for their Red Blends and Chardonnay, as well as aromatic whites and impressive Syrah.
With more than 200 vineyards, 125 wine producers and more than 30 cellar doors, the region offers a plethora of ways to experience the highly accoladed wines of the region, from well-developed cycle trails to architecture and wine tours in classic cars.
The diversity in wine is also matched by the diversity in landscape, as the region’s wineries and tasting rooms are scattered throughout plains, mountain peaks, valleys, and coastal cliffs.
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