The Hawke’s Bay Bayleys Wine Awards is New Zealand’s longest running regional competition and is proudly owned and event managed by the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society.
The objectives of the event are incredibly important to the Society and include identifying, promoting and celebrating excellence in wine making in the Hawke’s Bay region and in doing so endorse the contribution of viticulture and the primary sector to the economic, cultural and social wellbeing of Hawke’s Bay.
They exist to both honour the incredible talent in the winemaking sector, and to showcase that talent to the world. Winemaking is key to the success of our region’s primary sector and it’s important to stop, take stock, reflect, and recognise excellence within this industry each year.
Syrah was declared the Champion Wine of the Show for the year in 2021. Church Road Hawke’s Bay Syrah McDonald Series 2019 received three trophies at the awards ceremony held in November 2021, indicating that this wine will undoubtedly garner more recognition both here and internationally.
Heading up the judging team was Ant Mackenzie. With 25 years in the wine industry around the world, he was blown away by the calibre of entries in the 2021 competition.
Mackenzie explained that this year the Awards had attracted the largest number of entries since 2017. He noted “We have had stellar vintages for the past three years and this was clearly evident throughout the judging process”.
Entry information
2022 Entry information will be available here on June 2022.
For any questions get in touch with our Awards Event Manager on awards@showgroundshb.co.nz
The Hawke’s Bay A & P Society thanks and acknowledge all sponsors associated with the Awards, some who have been involved since the event's inception.
In acknowledging all sponsors associated with these Awards we recognise the significance and credibility that they hold for the wine industry and consumers both nationally and worldwide is important and without their commitment these awards would not be possible.
An evening of recognition and elegance. Tickets for the 2022 Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards will be on sale from Mid July 2022. Join us along for a night of laughs, celebrations and of course incredible wines. To express interest in tickets get in touch today!
The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the trophy winners as selected by our National Judges.
A three-course meal prepared with Hawke’s Bay produce and the opportunity to try all of the award-winning wines is what sets this event apart from the rest.
To purchase your tickets, click here or by contacting the Event Manager Isabelle Crawshaw on 027 421 0276 or awards@showgroundshb.co.nz.
The Hawke’s Bay Bayleys Wine Awards is New Zealand’s longest running regional competition and is proudly owned and event managed by the Hawke’s Bay A & P Society.
The objectives of the event are incredibly important to the Society and include identifying, promoting and celebrating excellence in wine making in the Hawke’s Bay region and in doing so endorse the contribution of viticulture and the primary sector to the economic, cultural and social wellbeing of Hawke’s Bay.
Ant Mackenzie has worked in the New Zealand wine industry for over 25 years. Beginning his career in Hawke’s Bay with vintages at Vidal and Esk Valley followed by overseas experience in Australia, USA and Spain. Ant has been back working in Hawke’s Bay for ten years in various roles.
Currently Ant is working for Hãhã Wine Company as Chief Winemaker whilst continuing to develop his own wine brands under the Ant Mackenzie Wines banner. Ant has held various positions in the wine industry including stints as a winemaker, general manager, wine consultant and wine science lecturer at Eastern Institute of Technology. He enjoys keeping a finger on the pulse of New Zealand’s wine industry through awards judging, taking part in the New Zealand Wine of the Year Awards, The Royal Easter Show Wine Awards and many others over the years including the past 10 editions of the HB A&P Wine Awards.
When it comes to a particular wine or style Ant enjoys drinking, in his words ‘I cannot go past the aromatic wine styles Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. With their lifted aromas and amazing palate textures there is always something in these wines to excite the senses. I’ve been lucky enough to work for wineries that have specialised in these styles; Framingham, Spy Valley and Dry River aromatic wines are amongst New Zealand’s best’.
