The Great Wine Capitals Global Network was established in Bordeaux in 1999, to unite cities that share a common asset: their internationally renowned wine regions. The network exists to sustain the health, prosperity and sustainable development of the wine-related industries, communities and tourism in their Capitals. The Network facilitates the sharing of knowledge, ideas & experience; stimulates business, innovation & friendships; and is a means to collaborate on challenges & opportunities.

Hawke’s Bay’s admission to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network came in May 2023, after a stringent application process. The Hawke's Bay Great Wine Capitals membership is led by the following Great Wine Capital Partners

Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Hawke’s Bay Wine, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Airport, Eastern Institute of Technology.

Read the full press release

Read the Q&As 

The 2026 Outbound Knowledge Exchange applications are now open. For the prospectus and application information click here.

The application form can be found here.  

Who are the Great Wine Capitals?

The Great Wine Capitals Global Network has 12 Member Capitals, including some of the most renowned winegrowing regions from both the old and new world wine regions. Hawke’s Bay is now positioned up with eleven of the world’s most prestigious wine and tourism regions:

• ADELAIDE | South Australia
• BILBAO - RIOJA | Spain
• BORDEAUX | France
• CAPE TOWN - CAPE WINELANDS | South Africa
• HAWKE'S BAY | New Zealand
• LAUSANNE | Switzerland
• MAINZ - RHEINHESSEN | Germany
• MENDOZA | Argentina
• PORTO | Portugal
• SAN FRANCISCO - NAPA VALLEY | United States
• VALPARAISO - CASABLANCA VALLEY | Chile
• VERONA | Italy

Find out more: greatwinecapitals.com