“Some of the most thrilling we’ve seen.” Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction lots set to stun. It’s the day wine lovers across the country most eagerly await and an absolute highlight on the Hawke’s Bay calendar. Tickets are now on sale for the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction 2024, with many of this year’s lots more extraordinary than ever.
The Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction is many things: a celebration of the region’s outstanding wine industry, an elegant occasion for the winemakers and wine connoisseurs in attendance, and a fun day out for hundreds of locals and visitors keen to get together and sample the best drops in the country.
It’s also the largest annual private contributor to Cranford Hospice each year, and for that reason alone, holds a very special place in Hawke’s Bay hearts. Last year’s auction raised over $300,000, and already, one of the 2024 lots is expected to spark a bidding war.
For the very first time, a private collection spanning not 10, or 20, but an impressive 40 years of Te Mata Estate’s prestigious Coleraine will be offered at auction. This exceptional collection features a bottle from each feted vintage, from its very first in 1982, through to 2021 (with 1992, 1993 and 2012 being non-producing years). The 37-bottle lot, generously donated by local wine enthusiast Stuart Tustin, showcases four decades of arguably New Zealand’s most iconic red wine, and is most certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Having carefully cellared the collection since he purchased his first case of Coleraine in the 1980s, Stuart says it became clear he could “never break it up,” and decided to donate the bottles for good. “This feels like the perfect opportunity to find a new home for the collection, at a healthy price, and support a fantastic facility,” he says. “I hope we do it justice.”
Among the remaining 40 lots on offer this year (everything from special magnum collections to quarter, half and full barriques), bidders may be tempted by the opportunity to purchase Syrah blended from the eight wineries in the Bridge Pa Triangle, expertly crafted by winemakers Barry Riwai and Jason Stent. The Barrique (300 bottles) of Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District Syrah 2024 En Primeur is highly scented, aromatic and savoury.
Another celebrated wine lot; the 2023 Church Road Chardonnay. Church Road consistently produces incredibly high-quality Chardonnay and this exclusive lot – a unique blend of top Chardonnay parcels – is another standout, with 150 bottles (a half barrique) on offer.
Those looking for a tropical escape, original artwork or an exclusive dining or tasting experience are also catered for, with lots including a seven-night Pacific travel package from House of Travel and Reef House, a one-off still life artwork courtesy of feature artist Helen Kerridge, a library tasting for 20 at Pask Winery or dinner for 12 at Crab Farm.
“It has to be noted that some of our 2024 lots are without doubt the most thrilling we’ve seen,” says Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction Chairman and former winemaker Peter Cowley. “We’ve been blown away by the quality of the lots so generously donated by winemakers and supporters, and the excitement that is building as we head into the auction is palpable.”
The first opportunity to sip and sample the wines on offer takes place on Wednesday 14th August at the Napier War Memorial Centre with the auction itself, including a tasting prior to the gavel being lifted on the first lot, at Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Event Centre on Saturday 14th September.
Event Ambassador and host Mike McRoberts will join the fun for the fifth year running. Traveling to Hawke’s Bay for the annual auction is a chance for the journalist and new National Business Review Te Ao M?ori Editor to mingle with fellow wine lovers and enjoy the excitement of the experience.
The auction’s General Manager, Samantha Kershaw, notes that having Mike on board is also something to celebrate. “Mike has had a turbulent year with the closure of Newshub, but despite the upheaval, he’s remained absolutely committed to, and passionate about, his role as our Ambassador. We’re eternally grateful to him for putting in such an effort to support the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction.”
And Samantha’s advice to anyone wanting to have a go at securing either the Coleraine vertical, or one of the other fantastic lots? Recruit friends and family, build your auction syndicate, buy your tickets and have a punt. “It’s all for the very best of causes – ensuring a sustainable future for our wonderful local hospice.”
To see all lots on offer at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction 2024, and purchase tickets for both the 14th August and the 14th September, go to…