Hawke's Bay bests Barossa in the UK

Hawke's Bay bests the Barossa Valley in a ranking of wine regions, according to UK regular wine drinkers’ purchases. It is Hawkes Bay wine’s first appearance on the survey’s regional short list.

The Consumer Intelligence Report for May 2011 released by The Wine and Spirit Trade Association and Wine Intelligence surveys UK wine consumers choices with a section highlighting regional awareness and purchases of wine.

In this most recent report Hawke’s Bay features for the first time, ranking at 14 ahead of Australia’s Barossa Valley at 15. “9% of regular UK wine drinkers said they’d purchased Hawke’s Bay wine in the last 3 months, said Lyn Bevin, Executive Officer of HB Winegrowers, “This is clear evidence that Hawke’s Bay wine is now recognised and purchased on a regular basis in the world’s most mature wine market. It is a huge accomplishment given our size and distance from the market. The achievements we have made over the last 3 years are increasing sales of Hawkes Bay wine. Once upon a time wine consumers in this market had never heard of Hawke’s Bay, let alone realised the wines were from New Zealand! And to be ahead of the Barossa – Australia’s most well-known red wine region, that’s something to really be proud of.”

Lyn puts the achievement down to international hosting undertaken by the region over the previous years, holding regional Cabernet Merlot and Syrah forums and symposiums for international guests, and most significantly the quality of wines shown by Hawke’s Bay producers.

In the same report Merlot remains at the top of the list for UK red wine drinkers followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and then Syrah. Chardonnay still leads the white wines followed by Sauvignon Blanc. “Hawkes Bay’s best wines are the styles that the major markets want. The region is well positioned as recognition continues to grow” says Nicholas Buck, Chairman of Hawkes Bay Winegrowers.