Our Work
At its heart, the Association prioritises community support, striving to empower the Hawke’s Bay wine community to reach its full potential. Fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the Association enables each member to thrive, contributing to the collective success of the Region.
People & Environment
HB Vine
HBVINE is an initiative kicked off by Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers in 2018, focused on Viticulture Innovation, Networking and Excellence (VINE) within the Hawke’s Bay region. Expanding on this:
- Innovation – researching and sharing new ideas that improve the quality of wine from our region as well as the way we run our vineyards.
- Networking – building connections between people, and a sense of community.
- Excellence – sharing best practice ideas, and fostering the development of viticultural practice.
Our activities tend to be organised around topics of interest, and events organised to share information and facilitate discussion. Past and currently topics include:
- Ripening Syrah
- Undervine management (primarily organic)
- Improving Chardonnay yield
- Enhancing biodiversity in vineyards
HBVINE is open to anyone working in the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, including viticulturists, vineyard managers, operators, winemakers and the like. As well as a Facebook page, an HBVINE mailing list is used to update people on events and topics being worked on.
Marketing Advisory Committee (MAC)
The Marketing Advisory Committee meet quarterly to lend a voice from the industry on upcoming Hawke’s Bay Wine marketing initiatives and events.
- Michael Henley, MW
- Venita Simcox, Craggy Range
- Oliver Kettle, Paritua
- Dan Brennan, Decibel
- Simon Swa, Elephant Hill
- Lucy Whyte, Trinity Hill
- Matt Kirby, Clearview
- Claire Woodham Te Mata Estate
- Sarah White, HBWG
- Brent Linn, HBWG
Sustainability
HBWG has adopted a 5 point plan to respond to climate change.
Women in Wine
NZ Women in Wine supports women to reach their full potential and progress their careers in our industry. It encourages conversations about equity, diversity and inclusion prompting action as needed to ensure there is equal opportunity for everyone to thrive.
Women in Wine is for everyone – regardless of gender or role within the industry. All members are invited to participate, join the conversation and build networks.
Hawke’s Bay Women in Wine runs several events each year. To receive more information about local and national initiatives and events complete this short form.
Or contact Hawke’s Bay Regional Chairs Sara MacDonald and Courtney Scia Scia at [email protected]
Young Viticulturist of the Year
The NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year competition has been running since 2006.
Its goal is to support the NZ wine industry’s future viticulture leaders by helping them upskill, grow in confidence and widen their networks. A very strong Young Vit community has also emerged from the programme with everyone working together to progress and succeed.
The competition consists of 5-6 regional competitions with winners going through to represent their region in the National Final held at the end of August.
Over the years the following Young Vits from Hawke’s Bay have gone on to win the prestigious title of NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year and bring the trophy back to the region: Emman Taylor, Caine Thompson, Paul Robinson, Caleb Dennis, Cameron Price and Sam Bain.
The 2024 Hawke’s Bay competition will be held on 13 June at Paritua.
Young Winemaker of the Year
The Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year competition supports emerging young winemakers, giving them a platform to learn new skills as well as share their thoughts about the future.
There are three regional competitions leading to the National Finat at the end of August. Previous winners from Hawke’s Bay are Lauren Swift and Alena Kamper
The 2024 North Island competition being held in Hawke’s Bay is on Thursday 25 July at EIT.
