Hawke’s Bay wine tourism industry took centre stage at The Old Church, as five local businesses were named winners of the 2027 Hawke’s Bay Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, with Black Barn Vineyards claiming a hat-trick of wins, taking out three of the seven categories. 

The awards recognise the businesses raising the bar for wine tourism in the region, from immersive cellar door experiences to accommodation, culture and sustainability. 

This year’s Hawke’s Bay winners are: 

• Accommodation: Black Barn Vineyards 

• Architecture and Landscape: Black Barn Vineyards 

• Art and Culture: Black Barn Vineyards 

• Culinary Experiences: Craggy Range Winery 

• Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: Smith & Sheth 

• Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Hawke’s Bay Experiences 

• Wine Tourism Services: Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours 

The judging panel comprised Anna Neilson, Chief Executive of Destination Wairarapa and Classic New Zealand Wine Trail partner; Lee Brown, Head of Operations at Hospitality NZ and Anna King-Shahab a renowned food, wine and travel writer. 

Anna Neilson, who has judged the awards for the past three years, said she has seen a noticeable shift toward stronger collaboration between the wine and tourism sectors. “Both industries thrive on authentic storytelling, meaningful visitor connections, and a strong sense of place. As that partnership continues to deepen, it will not only enhance visitor experiences but also strengthen the economic contribution these sectors make to Hawke’s Bay.” 

She added that the awards do more than celebrate success, they inspire it. “Across the businesses we’ve assessed, we’ve seen a genuine commitment to continually lifting standards, enhancing visitor experiences, and pursuing excellence. It has been a privilege to witness that dedication and to contribute as one of the judges over recent years.” 

Fellow judge Lee Brown, returning for a second year, said this year’s entries stood out. “The quality has clearly lifted, and the depth of passion operators bring to showcasing this region continues to set Hawke’s Bay apart as one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals. It’s this kind of investment in the visitor experience that keeps raising the bar for wine tourism here.” 

Tania Burt, General Manager of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, said the calibre of the winners was a strong reflection of what makes the region stand out on the world stage. 

“Coming into this role, seeing the passion and craft behind these businesses first-hand has been a real highlight. Hawke’s Bay’s story as a wine destination isn’t just about what’s in the glass, it’s the people, the places and the experiences behind it, and tonight’s winners capture that beautifully.” 

Tania added that the awards play an important role in building the region’s profile internationally. “As we head toward hosting the Great Wine Capitals International Conference in October, these businesses will be front and centre in showing our fellow Great Wine Capitals exactly why Hawke’s Bay belongs among them.” 

The seven category winners now progress to the International Jury where one of the them will also be named a global Best Of Wine Tourism winner, announced at the Great Wine Capitals International Conference Gala dinner in Hawke’s Bay on Thursday 22nd October. 

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