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29 June 2009

New wineries show at Hot Red Hawke’s Bay

Wine lovers tasting reds at the eagerly awaited Hot Red Hawke’s Bay wine shows in July will get the opportunity to try wines from four new exhibitors, all of whom are relatively young but gaining a solid reputation for quality wines.  

Ash Ridge Wines, Paritua Vineyard, Moana Park Winery, and Salvare Estate are all first time participants showing off their produce at this year’s Hot Red Hawke’s Bay shows, being held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Salvare Estate sees the expo as an opportunity to gain exposure particularly with the on-premise side of the business.  “We are new to the market so we need to do all we can to expose our brand,” says owner Steven Nathan.  “Hot Red is a very focused event and we see lots of merit in being one of only a small number of exhibitors, it’s a good vehicle for us.”

Paritua Vineyard’s Brianne Fisher says “As a producer of premium Hawke’s Bay wines, we believe that the Hot Red Hawke’s Bay is an excellent showcase, not only for us but for the many wonderful wine producers in the region.”

Moana Park Winery and Ash Ridge Wines will just be attending the Wellington expo.  “Size is an issue for us, we don’t have the volume yet to spread ourselves further,” says Kaylea Barker of Moana Park. 

“We’ve retained more of our grapes for our own use this year and have doubled our production just so we have enough for Hot Red.  We see this road show as a great opportunity to show the country just how strong Hawke’s Bay is in making great reds.”

For Emma Peet, in charge of marketing for boutique winery Ash Ridge Wines, the Wellington market is one the company is “particularly keen” to break into.  “Hot Red looks to provide us with exactly the market we want to meet; it’s our true market really, people who are genuinely interested in what we have to offer.”

Having expanded its range to include Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Merlot and Syrah, the winery feels ready to add Wellington restaurants and trade to its Hawke’s Bay and Auckland outlets.  “We’re keen to raise our profile,” says Emma.

Rod McDonald, Chairman of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. says it is great to see new wineries taking part in the show.

“We have a great variety of wineries on board now, with most returning year after year.  We have both small and large companies all showing high-quality wines over a varied price range, from $14.95 per bottle to over $100.

“By participating in Hot Red Hawke’s Bay our wineries can travel the length of the country and have instant and direct access to their target markets,” says Rod. 

“What’s more, the majority of the wineries aren’t involved to solely benefit themselves – they are there to represent the region as a whole and that’s what makes this show special.  There is no other opportunity quite like this for our top red wine producers or for those who attend.”

Hot Red Hawke’s Bay is being held in Christchurch at Christchurch Town Hall on Tuesday July 7; in Wellington at The Duxton Hotel on Wednesday July 8; and in Auckland at Heritage Hotel on Thursday July 9.

General admission tickets are $35 which includes a special Hot Red wine glass, wine samples of all wines, and a full catalogue of all wines and wineries.  Tickets for the public can be purchased online through www.winehawkesbay.co.nz and at selected wine retailers in Wellington and Christchurch.

Hospitality trade and media can register online at no charge.

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