HAWKE’S BAY WINE AUCTION UNCORKS ONE OF ITS BIGGEST AND MOST EXCLUSIVE LINE-UPS YET. Wine lovers are being invited to secure some of Hawke’s Bay’s most exclusive wines, with tickets now on sale for the 2026 Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction and this year’s highly anticipated auction lots officially announced.

Returning to Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre on Saturday 12 September, the 34th annual auction will feature one of the largest line-ups in the event’s history, with more than 40 live auction lots showcasing the generosity, creativity and craftsmanship of Hawke’s Bay’s winemaking community.

This year’s catalogue includes 16 wines created exclusively for the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction and unavailable through retail channels, alongside 18 lots featuring quarter, half or full barriques, giving bidders the opportunity to secure impressive volumes from some of the region’s most celebrated producers.

For those seeking more than just great wine, 13 lots include unique wine experiences, including private tastings, behind-the-scenes winery access and long lunches at some of Hawke’s Bay’s most sought-after destinations.
Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction General Manager Sam Kershaw said the scale and quality of this year’s auction lots reflects the extraordinary generosity of the region’s wine community.

“We are blown away by the generosity of winemakers every year, but this year especially so. The breadth of what’s been donated is incredible. There are many wines in this catalogue that simply can’t be bought anywhere else, opportunities to blend wine alongside some of New Zealand’s finest winemakers, and experiences that offer a real insight into the people and places behind Hawke’s Bay wine.”

“Cranford Hospice is incredibly important to our community, and that’s what brings everyone together in such a heart-warming display of generosity and community spirit. Every lot in this catalogue represents people giving their time, expertise and passion to support hospice care for Hawke’s Bay families.”

Among the standout lots is the ever-popular Ambassador’s Blend. This year, the winning bidder will join Bilancia founders Lorraine Leheny and Warren Gibson, together with Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction Ambassador Mike McRoberts, to create Cinque Terre – a bespoke Chardonnay crafted from fruit grown in five distinct Hawke’s Bay soils. Following a guided tasting and blending session, the successful bidder will help determine the final composition before taking home all 72 bottles.

Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction Chairman Peter Cowley said the auction continues to evolve while staying true to its original purpose.
“At its heart, this event has always been about Hawke’s Bay winemakers, growers and businesses coming together to support Cranford Hospice, and that hasn’t changed in 34 years.

“What has changed is how we’re connecting with wine lovers. This year we’re excited to launch our first-ever Auckland Preview + Tasting Evening, giving Aucklanders the opportunity to meet our winemakers and experience many of these remarkable wines before auction day.

“We’re also delighted to once again offer live online bidding through The Wine Auction Room, allowing supporters from throughout New Zealand and around the world to join a uniquely Hawke’s Bay event in real time. Whether people join us in Auckland or Napier for the tastings, online or in the auction room itself, every ticket purchased and every bid placed helps ensure Cranford Hospice can continue providing compassionate care to Hawke’s Bay families.”

Wine lovers can enjoy an exclusive preview of this year’s auction wines at two special tasting events. The first-ever Auckland Preview + Tasting Evening will take place at Caro’s Wine Merchants in Grey Lynn on Tuesday 28 July, followed by the Napier Preview + Tasting Evening at the Napier War Memorial Centre on Wednesday 19 August, where guests will have the opportunity to taste a selection of this year’s auction wines. Those attending the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction on Saturday 12 September will also be able to sample the full line-up during a 90-minute tasting session before bidding begins.

Tickets for all Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction events and details about this year’s lots are available at:

https://hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz/