Trade/Media Area
The Association aims to boost Hawke’s Bay’s standing as one of New Zealand’s top wine regions and a respected global wine hub.
NZ Winegrowers and HBWG host an annual program for international and domestic visitors, primarily media and trade buyers. HBWG provides regional tastings and overviews during these visits.
Aligned with HBWG’s strategy, we focus on promoting Hawke’s Bay’s red wines and chardonnays, aiming to deliver an impactful message to our visitors.
All trade and media visitors wishing to engage with our community should contact us direct so we can tailor your visit especially for you.
2026 Melbourne Trade Tasting
Hawke’s Bay Wine producers showcased their wines on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at The Kelvin Club.
This dedicated trade and sommelier event offered a focused opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of New Zealand’s oldest wine region and newest member of the Great Wine Capitals network, with tastings from leading producers and a series of masterclasses highlighting key varieties and sub-regional strengths.
Aside from the Producer Tasting three masterclasses were held. For further information on the wines shown and the masterclasses held - see the links below:
- Hawke’s Bay Wine Producer Directory
- Masterclass booklets and tasting line-ups
Chardonnay Collection
Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay has quietly become one of the most compelling expressions of the variety anywhere in the world. Combining a unique climate, diverse soils, and a highly skilled winemaking community, the region consistently produces wines that rival – and often outperform – benchmark examples from the world’s great Chardonnay regions.
You can see the full library of our Chardonnay Collections here.
If you would like further information, please contact us.
Regional Wine Collection
Each year wineries are asked to provide a list of their gold medal winning HB wines based on recognised wine competitions or those wines which have been reviewed by recognised independent reviewers / commentators.
These wines are held for a regional tastings at the beginning of any visit to ensure we provide an overview and regional platform for the visitor before they undertake individual winery visits.
Submissions for the 2024 Regional Wine Collection (v. 2020 / 2021) have now closed.
Read more about the Regional Wine Collection Process here.
If you would like further information about the Regional Wine Collection contact us here.
Trade Opportnities
Our members are contacted when additional trade opportunities arise. Opportunities are firstly given to our base / activation members before being opened up to all members.
Some previous trade visits:
- April 2024 - Jane Skilton - Chardonnay report by region of NZ wines for Jasper Morris MW.
- December 2023 - Rebecca Gibb MW tasting of NZ wines for Vinous.
- November 2023 - Media / sommelier Group including Dr Jo Burzynska; Inna Yoon DipWSET; and Hiro Kawahara, Sommelier, Kikizaeshi.
Great Wine Capitals
HBWG are regularly approached regarding trade opportunities specific to the Great Wine Capitals Group for which preference is given to our Great Wine Capitals Ambassadors. You can read more about these opportunities here.
Brand Kit
You can find more information about our brand kit, available for you to use when promoting your business, on our Resources page.
Industry Updates
