Considered an absolute must do for wine lovers, the Hawke’s Bay Wine Celebration will showcase over 200 wines including 50 Chardonnays, 38 Syrah, more than 30 Merlot Cabernet blends, as well as aromatic Riesling and Gewürztraminer, through to newcomers Albarino, Tempranillo and luscious dessert wines, there's even a sneaky craft beer in the mix to help cleanse the palate.

Two of New Zealand’s most renowned wine experts have been secured to host the brand new Food and Wine Classic. The event’s Masterclasses series will feature food and wine pairings in two exclusive, strictly limited sessions. Hosting in Wellington, on September 17, will be wine judge, author and TV host, Yvonne Lorkin. She has been immersed in wine for more than a decade and is host and producer of wine TV show, Thirsty Work, and a wine columnist for more than ten publications throughout New Zealand.

The Auckland event on September 24 will be taken by wine editor, Bob Campbell. He was the second New Zealander and one of only 340 people in the world to hold the Master of Wine qualification. Campbell also writes for many wine publications and columns around the country.

“We believe these two heavyweights are the perfect pair to host our first F.A.W.C! Masterclasses, and will be hugely entertaining and informative,” said Michael Henley, chairman of the Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Association.  “This is our largest showcase of the region’s wines to date, and we anticipate these sought-after Masterclasses will sell out fast.”

Formerly Hot Red Hawke’s Bay, the Hawke’s Bay Wine Celebration has two sessions in both cities, and each will feature two 45-minute F.A.W.C! Masterclasses – Classic Reds with Food Pairings, and Chardonnay with Food Pairings.

Events will be held at:

Wellington – Chaffers Dock Function Centre Saturday, 17 September

General Admission Day Session 12:00-3:30 pm

F.A.W.C! Masterclass Series 1-12:30-1:15 pm: Classic Reds*

F.A.W.C! Masterclass Series 2 – 2:30-3.15 pm: Chardonnay*

General Admission Night Session 4:30 pm-8:00 pm

F.A.W.C! Masterclass Series 1 – 5:00-5:45 pm: Classic Reds*

F.A.W.C! Masterclass Series 2 – 7:00-7:45 pm: Chardonnay*

Tickets to The Hawke's Bay Wine Celebration in Wellington can be purchased here. 

Auckland – Shed 10 Saturday, 24 September

General Admission Day Session 12:00-3:30 pm

F.A.W.C! Masterclass Series 1 – 12:30-1:15 pm: Classic Reds*

F.A.W.C! Masterclass Series 2 – 2:30-3:15 pm: Chardonnay*

General Admission Night Session 4:30-8:00 pm

F.A.W.C! Masterclass Series 1 – 5:00-5:45 pm: Classic Reds*

F.A.W.C! Masterclass Series 2 – 7:00-7:45pm: Chardonnay*

Tickets to The Hawke's Bay Wine Celebration in Auckland can be purchased here. 

Tickets are $55 per person, which includes hundreds of wine tastings and two food tokens. *Masterclasses are an additional $15.00.