2025 Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction: Rare Blends and Barrel Lots To Go Under the Hammer. One of Hawke’s Bay’s most anticipated events is back — and it’s set to be bigger, bolder and more generous than ever. Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, happening on Saturday 13th September, and wine lovers across the region (and beyond) can start getting excited.
Now in its 34th year, the region’s world-class winemakers have once again come together to donate their most exciting and exclusive lots to raise vital funds for Cranford Hospice. Rare wine lots including, for the first time, three full-size barrel lots promise to produce one of the most impactful auctions yet.
The auction’s General Manager, Samantha Kershaw is excited and in awe of the generosity of the region’s wineries. “It’s such a powerful show of community spirit. Year after year, local wineries, artists, sponsors and supporters come together to make a serious difference.
This year, we’ve noticed larger lot sizes, plus we have new winemakers donating to the auction for the first time. Bidders will also see more lots than ever with added wine-tasting, dining and accommodation experiences. In total, there are over 2,100 litres of wine included across all the lots, which is just phenomenal. We have so much to celebrate this September – so now’s the time to grab your tickets, gather a syndicate, dress up and bid big for Cranford” she said.
Kershaw said there’s something for everyone in this year’s auction, with over 15 different wine styles available. The lots offer an exciting range — from elegant Chardonnays, Syrahs, and Bordeaux-style reds to Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, and Méthode Traditionnelle. Vintage Port-style and dessert wines also make a return to the auction for the first time in many years.
Check out the Auction Lots here: https://hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz/auction-lots/
The wine auction was founded by a group of Hawke’s Bay winemakers in 1991, as a vehicle to showcase their wines and collectively give back to the community. More than three decades later, it’s still doing exactly that – only bigger.
As the largest annual private contributor to Cranford Hospice, the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction is a true legacy of giving, said Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction Chairman, Peter Cowley.
“This event has always been about community and it’s incredible to see what can happen when people come together with heart. Every bottle, every barrel, every bid makes a difference — and this year, we’re on track to reach a truly special fundraising milestone for Cranford, so watch this space. For those at the auction it’ll be something memorable to be part of,” he said.
For the first time ever, live online bidding will be available at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, thanks to a new partnership with The Wine Auction Room. This exciting development opens the door for wine lovers across Aotearoa and beyond to take part in real time, wherever they are. The new platform enhances accessibility and creates more opportunity for generous bidding — all in support of Cranford Hospice. Absentee bidding is also available for those unable to dial in live.
Wine lovers and bidders can enjoy a first taste of the auction wines and meet the winemakers in person at the Preview + Tasting Evening on Wednesday 13th August at the Napier War Memorial Centre. The main event – the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction – takes place on Saturday 13th September at Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre.
To view all lots on offer at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction 2025 and purchase tickets for both events, go to:
https://hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz/
Photographer Credit to Florence Charvin Photography.
https://florencecharvin.com/