These awards celebrated the exceptional quality and innovation present within the region, further solidifying Hawke's Bay's reputation as a leading destination in global wine tourism and as a Great Wine Capital of the world.

Judge Anna King Shahab, a renowned food, wine, and travel writer, praised the impressive calibre of entries for their high quality, noting that there were "multiple strong contenders" in each category.  She was joined by fellow judges Jesse Mulligan, a radio broadcaster, TV presenter, and restaurant critic, and Anna Nielson, General Manager of Destination Wairarapa and Classic New Zealand Wine Trail partner.

The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards aim to celebrate businesses that excel in creating memorable and responsible wine tourism experiences. The winners for each category are as follows:

• Accommodation: Black Barn Vineyards
• Architecture and Landscape: Craggy Range Giants Winery
• Art and Culture: Black Barn Vineyards
• Culinary Experiences: Craggy Range Restaurant
• Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: Smith & Sheth Heretaunga Wine Studio
• Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Church Rd
• Wine Tourism Services: Smith & Sheth Oenothèque

These category winners will now represent Hawke's Bay at the Best Of Wine Tourism international awards, where one outstanding entry will be recognised as a global winner by an international panel of judges, including representatives from each Great Wine Capital, at the AGM gala dinner in Verona, Italy, this October.

Reflecting on the judging process, Anna King Shahab noted, "There are some exceptional wine tourism operators in Hawke’s Bay, providing remarkable visitor experiences, which made our job very challenging. The standards were particularly high in the dining and accommodation categories, where what is offered truly speaks to the region and the unique locality, setting high standards for others to follow."

She continued, "The warm welcome extended by those involved in wine tourism operations in Hawke's Bay is something that we, as judges, and undoubtedly guests, will remember. The laid-back yet attentive hospitality is an Antipodean special, done with aplomb by so many in the region.” 

Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive of Hawke’s Bay Tourism and Local President of the Great Wine Capitals, said: "Hearing the judges commend the incredible quality of the submissions for the inaugural Best Of Wine Tourism Awards further reinforces that our region excels in wine-based tourism and further cements the region as a Great Wine Capital of the World.

“Of late, it’s been an extraordinary period for Hawke’s Bay, with many local businesses achieving national accolades, particularly in the wine and hospitality sectors. The region's trophy cabinet is looking impressive!"

"We now have the exciting opportunity to showcase these Best Of Wine Tourism award winners on a global stage, and I am eager to see which of our strong contenders will take home the International Award," Saxton added.

Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine growing region, and in 2023 joined global heavyweights such as Bordeaux (France), Bilbao-Rioja (Spain) and San Francisco - Napa Valley (USA), as the newest Great Wine Capital of the world.

CATEGORY: Accommodation
WINNER: Black Barn Vineyards

Comments from Anna Nielson: It’s the little touches that count when it comes to quality accommodation. When a visitor is made to feel not just welcome but valued and cared for - that is the difference between lovely and exceptional accommodation. When Black Barn say they put the visitor at the centre of everything they do, they mean it. Case and point is the provision of a full emergency kit in each of their 17 properties. This indicated to me they are indeed true to their word.

CATEGORY: Architecture & Landscape
WINNER: Craggy Range Giants Winery

Comments from Anna Nielson: With Craggy Range nestled at the foot of the majestic Te Mata Peak, you cannot help but notice the drama of the surrounding landscape and the architecture of the buildings already. It’s Craggy’s unwavering commitment however to this landscape in the design, layout, materials used, and even green spaces on the property, that makes it stand out from the others. To even consider how the buildings are also viewed from a bird’s eye view, goes above and beyond in my opinion.

CATEGORY: Culinary
WINNER: Craggy Range Restaurant

Comments from Anna Nielson: The standout for me was the integration of the Kitchen Garden into the design of the menu. To wander around the kitchen garden during the day and then later be served fresh out of the garden what we saw growing just hours before, is the way I would always love to dine. The talent of Chef Casey McDonald and his team to then remain true to that ethos ensured that the flavours presented on the plate were fresh and true, just as nature intended. For visitors wanting to ‘taste New Zealand’ – this is where you go, because this is how you do it.

CATEGORY: Innovative Wine Experience
WINNER: Smith & Sheth Heretaunga Studio

Comments from Anna Nielson: A truly innovative experience that uniquely solves the problem of understanding the terroir of the land from which the grapes are grown, the people who have lovingly produce the wine, and how that combines to create what you taste in the glass - without actually being at that place. Inspired!

CATEGORY: Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices 
WINNER: Church Rd

Comments from Anna Nielson: Following sustainable practices in the New Zealand wine industry is standard practice and one of the reasons our wines are much loved the world over. To truly live and breathe that ethos when it comes to the tourism industry, is still a work in progress for many. Church Road however clearly demonstrate their commitment to both the production of wine, and the visitor experience through their Gold level Qualmark award certified under the Sustainable Tourism Business criteria. An award they have had held impressively for 15 years.

CATEGORY: Wine Tourism Services
WINNER: Smith & Sheth

Comments from Anna King Shahab: Smith & Sheth has a master touch in crafting a wide range of experiences suited to all wine lovers. Its oenothèque offers an array of opportunities to enjoy and learn about wine, from themed workshops to casual evenings in the wine lounge listening to live music. Experiences at Smith & Sheth are delivered to a high standard by professional and knowledgeable experts, in an inclusive way.

CATEGORY: Arts & Culture
WINNER: Black Barn Vineyards

Comments from Anna King Shahab: The judges were impressed with the facilities and attractions on offer at Black Barn Vineyards that enrich the cultural environment of Hawke’s Bay. The Black Barn Growers' Market was also viewed as showcasing the craft of local growers and producers and building community and culture for and between locals and visitors.