Wines finalised for 2011 Hot Red Hawke's Bay

The final list of wines has been put together for 2011 Hot Red Hawke's Bay, NZ’s biggest regional wine expo.

A total of 137 wines will be shown in Wellington and 141 in Auckland. For the first time white wines will be presented to trade, media and hospitality guests and the public as well as red wines.

Lyn Bevin, Executive Officer of HB Winegrowers, says this is one of the most comprehensive tastings of Hawke’s Bay wines she has ever seen put together. “I have just completed the final list of wines we will be showing and the mix is superb. Approximately 40% of the line-up is white with red wines the remaining 60% - I’m delighted as we don’t limit or dictate what the wineries want to show so this is a great result. Not only will guests see the best of our whites we will also keep happy those who want to see their favourite red wines.”

“At least 36 of the wines are Trophy and Gold Medal winners as well” added Lyn. The mix of wines reflects the varieties produced in strength in the region. Hawke’s Bay red blends and Syrah dominate the list with Chardonnay close behind.

New varieties are also included such as the Beach House Montepulciano 2009 (in Wellington only), Clearview’s Reserve Sauvignon Gris 2010, Esk Valley’s Verdelho 2010 and two Villa Maria wines, the Cellar Selection Arneis 2010 and the Reserve Grenache 2007.

Interestingly Lyn says there are also a few Cabernet Francs to be shown which is not something seen regularly amongst out wine producers. Vintages range from the CJ Pask Declaration Merlot 2006 to the latest 2010 releases.

Wineries participating this year are Abbey Cellars, Alpha Domus, Askerne Vineyards, Babich Wines, Beach House Wines, Black Barn Vineyards, Bridge Pa, Church Road, CJ Pask Winery, Clearview Estate, Couper’s Shed, Crossroads, Craggy Range, Cypress Wines, Elephant Hill, Esk Valley, Junction Wines, Mission Estate, Moana Park, Ngatarawa Wines, Sileni Estates, Te Awa, Vidal Estate and Villa Maria.

One thing is for certain there is bound to be a wine for everyone.

This year the event will be held in Wellington at the Chaffers Dock Function Centre on Wednesday 22nd of June and in Auckland at The Floating Pavilion at the Viaduct Basin on Thursday 23rd of June. Wine trade and media can register directly with Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc through their website www.winehawkesbay.co.nz and public tickets are available from www.eventfinder.co.nz .

Complimentary media passes are available by contacting Lyn Bevin, Executive Officer, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. A limit of 4 passes per publication applies.

For more information:
Lyn Bevin
Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc
Phone 06 876 3418 or email lynb@winehawkesbay.co.nz.