Proud New Partner of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards

The collaboration brings together two organisations committed to celebrating excellence and promoting Hawke's Bay as one of New Zealand's most desirable places to live, visit and invest.

It also recognises the significant contribution the wine industry makes to the region's economy, culture, tourism offering and international reputation.

Hawke's Bay A&P Society General Manager Hannah Morrah said the partnership represents a natural alignment between two brands that value quality, heritage and excellence.

"We are delighted to welcome New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Hawke's Bay as our Champion Wine Partner. This partnership reflects a shared appreciation for the people, businesses and industries that make Hawke's Bay exceptional."

"Our wine industry has helped shape Hawke's Bay's identity on the world stage. The Hawke's Bay Wine Awards recognise the skill, innovation and dedication of our growers and winemakers, and we're thrilled to have the support of a respected international brand that understands the value those achievements bring to our region."

Morrah said the sponsorship comes at an exciting time for Hawke's Bay.

"As Hawke's Bay continues to grow, recover and strengthen its position as a world-class food and wine destination, partnerships like this play an important role in supporting and celebrating the industries that contribute so much to our region's success."

New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Hawke's Bay Director Fraser Holland and General Manager of Marketing Aynsley Scott said the decision to partner with the Hawke's Bay Wine Awards was driven by their passion for the region and the wine-growing community that helps define it.

"We are excited to back the growers, winemakers and businesses whose skill, vision and dedication have helped establish Hawke's Bay as a globally recognised wine region." said Holland.

"Hawke's Bay is renowned for producing some of New Zealand's finest wines. The quality of wine produced here is exceptional and contributes significantly to the lifestyle, culture and international profile that make Hawke's Bay such a sought-after place to live and invest."

Scott said the partnership is a natural fit for New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Hawke’s Bay, bringing together two brands with a shared appreciation for quality, excellence and the people who help shape the region’s reputation.

“Behind every award-winning wine is an extraordinary amount of artistry, innovation and expertise. As a brand synonymous with premium quality, we have great respect for the people who produce wines of world-class calibre year after year.”

“The wine industry contributes far more than economic value. It is an important part of the character, lifestyle and international reputation of Hawke’s Bay. Supporting the Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards is an opportunity for us to give back to an industry that contributes so much to this region, while celebrating the exceptional talent and passion within our wine-growing community.”

The Hawke's Bay Wine Awards are among New Zealand's most respected regional wine competitions, showcasing the quality and diversity of wines produced across the region. The annual programme culminates in the Hawke's Bay Wine Awards Dinner, where the region's top wines and producers are recognised and the Hawke’s Bay Champion Wine of the Year is crowned.

The 2026 Hawke's Bay Wine Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday 1 October 2026 at the Napier Conference Centre (War Memorial Centre) and promises to be a celebration of Hawke's Bay's world-class wine and food offering. Guests will enjoy tastings of all award-winning wines alongside a showcase of exceptional local cuisine, while the region's top trophies and category winners are revealed throughout the evening. The event is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the Hawke's Bay wine calendar, attracting wine industry leaders, local businesses and wine enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.

Tickets are expected to sell quickly. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register their interest or secure tickets through the Hawke's Bay A&P Society website at www.hbap.co.nz. Further event information, key dates and ticketing details can also be found online.

Morrah said the support of New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty would help ensure the Awards continue to highlight the excellence that has made Hawke's Bay one of the country's leading wine regions.

"The Hawke's Bay Wine Awards are about celebrating the very best of our region. We're excited to work alongside Fraser, Aynsley and the team at New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty to recognise achievement, champion excellence and continue telling Hawke's Bay's wine story to audiences both here and beyond our region."