The Hawke’s Bay community knows how to come together to create something truly special, and this year the immense generosity and spirited celebration were significant. Event Ambassador Mike McRoberts shared his love of Hawke’s Bay wine with the crowd as he raised a glass to toast the 28th annual Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction.
Reflecting the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration with which the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction was first founded 28 years ago, another outstanding result for its 28th annual Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction means the event continues as Cranford Hospice largest annual contributor.
In honour of the 28th Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction (HBWA), the celebrated charity wine event revealed the inaugural ‘Ambassador Blend’ auction lot, a collaboration of Event Ambassador – Mike McRoberts, Tony Bish and James Beck of Bistronomy which sold for $5000. The Ambassador Blend will be an annual lot and will be a collaboration of varied talent annually revealed on event day for potential bidders to walk away with a never to be repeated package.
Event Director, Elisha Milmine says “It is heart-warming to be surrounded by such a generous group of people. Through the support of our winemakers, bidders, corporate partners and volunteers we are able to create so much more than a world-class wine event, we create a cycle of giving that has a lasting impact on our community.”
Chairperson, Kate Radburnd says “We are extremely happy with the year’s result and have plans to continue evolving this iconic event in the future, enhancements earmarked for 2020 include the Wine Auction event being held on the third weekend of September – Saturday 19th, and we plan to offer a series of wine experiences around this to showcase Hawkes Bay’s cuisine and wine culture.”
Sunny skies welcomed 500 guests at the Hastings City Art Gallery as they enjoyed a bounteous selection of Hawke’s Bay wines and tasted the wines in auction lots. Meanwhile the chefs from Dish catering were offering decadent dishes including a five spiced duck, porcini cream and black pudding.
After the tasting, the enthusiastic crowd eagerly filled their seats in the main gallery with energy high, bidding started at fast pace with a Vintec Instant Wine Cellar including 54 outstanding bottles of Hawke’s Bay wine selling for $10,000.
In addition to Saturday’s Live Auction, funds were also raised at the Pre-Tasting event and Tony Bish held a special tasting in aid of HBWA and Cranford Hospice. This meant the total figure raised for 2019 to date is $241,100. Feature Artist – Mauricio Benega, and Vice Chairperson Tony Bish are holding a Post Auction Exhibition at The Urban Winery of which 15% of all sales will be contributed to HBWA. The Exhibition will include paintings Mauricio created in the process of creating ‘The Wine Capital of NZ’ painting which sold for $10,500 at the Wine Auction.
For more information visit: www.hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz