Napier’s gunning for the title of Negroni Capital of New Zealand – and here’s why! Yes, it boasts verdant vineyards, dramatic coastline, and long, languid sunshine-filled days. It has cobbled streets, fishing boats, espresso bars and cute pizzerias.
But you’re not in Naples – you’re in Napier, and this September, the Hawke’s Bay city is making a serious play for the (unofficial) title of Negroni Capital of New Zealand.
Napier Negroni Week, hosted by the Napier City Business Association, runs from 21 to 27 September 2026. With 18 venues across the CBD and Ahuriri confirmed to participate, and over 30 variations of the negroni to sample, organisers are cautioning that time should be taken (and hydration should be paramount) during a tour of the city’s best pours.
“As Anthony Bourdain said, it’s the perfect drink, but it can hit you like a freight train!” begins Pip Thompson, General Manager at Napier City Business Inc. “We are thrilled at the number of entries this year – but they certainly should not all be imbibed on one night. Take the week, take it easy, sip slowly and enjoy.”
Timed to coincide with International Negroni Week, a Campari-led global celebration of what is widely regarded as the world’s most popular cocktail, Napier Negroni Week is fast becoming a calendar fixture for locals and visitors, with the festivities culminating in a street party to close out the celebrations on September 27th. “We’re aiming for fine weather, balmy spring temperatures, wonderful entertainment, delicious food and an only mildly irresponsible number of cocktails,” says Pip.
The judging panel from 2025’s successful event, winemakers Gordon Russell and Amy Hopkinson-Styles, return this year, assessing entries across two categories – Classic and Riff.
Hastings Street bar and tap room, Rogue Hop, is the one to beat. It claimed the win last year for its Classic Negroni using local spirit producers, Hastings Distillers, to deliver something pretty in the glass, balanced, and beautifully chilled. Italian eateries, Casa and Vinci’s, played to their strengths to nab first equal in the Negroni Riff category – Casa’s Dessert Negroni (with the addition of cherry juice), and Vinci’s White Negroni were a pleasure to sample, say the judging panel.
“Each entry needs to perfect its texture, its balance and its taste,” offers Gordon. But, he adds, it’s as much about the experience as it is about the cocktail – is it a welcoming atmosphere? Is the service warm and engaging? Is the music good?
“Those are the elements that encourage people to get out and into our venues here in Napier,” he continues.
With a digital and print map to guide negroni-hunters through the city’s offerings – from wine bars, to cocktail bars, to pubs and fine dining restaurants – organisers believe there’s a very good chance that Napier will soon be known as New Zealand’s negroni capital.
“For decades, people have flocked to our stunning Art Deco festival and admired our deco history and architecture. But what people sometimes forget is that cocktails were connected to this time period too – you might step out to go to a dance, listen to jazz, and enjoy a cocktail or two,” says Pip.
For those who want a head start on all the action of Negroni Week next month, tasting notes and recipes from the 2025 competition are available on the Napier Negroni Week Instagram page.
With more venues, more negronis and – if the organisers have their way – a city with a new title to its name, this year promises to be even better.
Instagram: @negroni_week_napier – Click image below to visit.
