Get ready to raise your glasses because Hawke's Bay has just been named one of the Great Wine Capitals of the world!
The North Island region has ranked as the 12th top wine capital in the world alongside renowned wine destinations like Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA), Bilbao (Spain), and Adelaide (Australia).
Now, let me spill on how this honour came about.
Hawke's Bay had to go through a stringent selection process that examined everything from the region’s wine-growing industry, history, wine tourism, education, business, and travel. It even included the cities and region itself.
Hamish Saxton, the CEO of Hawke's Bay Tourism, couldn't contain his excitement. He said: "The inclusion 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
We've always known that Hawke's Bay is a food and wine paradise, but now the whole world knows it too.
“The climate, unique soils and the innovation of so many talented individuals have come together to deliver an accolade the region wholeheartedly deserves. 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.”
Despite being majorly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year, Hawke’s Bay aced it in the categories above earning the region the honour of 12th place.
In fact, this title will also give our region a significant boost in post-cyclone recovery.
“With the wine industry already generating an estimated $300 million direct revenue to the Hawke’s Bay economy and contributing $156m to GDP. The accolade will further increase Hawke’s Bay’s global recognition and will give it access to additional expertise, resources, and support from the best of the global wine and tourism industries,” Hamish added.
Cheers to that!
Cyclone Gabrielle might have thrown the region a curveball, but it hasn't dampened the wine lovers’ spirits.
“Most of our wineries and cellar doors are now back open and keen to welcome manuhiri.”
So, if you find yourself in the region know that you’re among some of the world’s best in the wine biz, you may even want to try a glass or two while you’re there!
