Hawke’s Bay wines debut at world-famous Cité du Vin

AUCKLAND, Today: Hawke’s Bay wines are making history as the first New Zealand wines to be featured for tastings at the world-renowned Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, France.

This exciting opportunity, resulting from the 2023 Great Wine Capitals Global Network AGM in Lausanne, will introduce Hawke’s Bay wine to more than 400,000 wine enthusiasts from 180 countries who visit the prestigious museum each year.

The featured wines include:

• Tony Bish Heartwood Chardonnay 2022
• Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021
• Church Road 1 Tuki Tuki Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
• Church Road Tom Syrah 2021
• Church Road Tom Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020
• Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Te Mata Estate Awatea Cabernets/Merlot 2022
• Craggy Range Syrah Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2021
• Craggy Range Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2021
• Craggy Range Chardonnay Kidnappers Vineyard 2022
• Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay 2021
• Smith & Sheth Heretaunga Syrah 2020

These wines will be available at the Belvedere, a stunning 35-metre-high space offering 360-degree views of Bordeaux. Visitors to the Permanent exhibition can enjoy Hawke’s Bay wines alongside other global selections at the tasting workshops.

This opportunity arose after the Hawke’s Bay Great Wine Capitals delegation met Florence Maffrand, Head of Wine Partnerships at Cité du Vin, during the 2023 AGM in Lausanne.

“We will be very proud to present Hawke’s Bay wine culture among our tastings as part of the visit to the museum or tasting events.” – Florence Maffrand

Maffrand expressed excitement, stating, “We are so pleased to complete the representation of major wine countries with New Zealand and to welcome Hawke’s Bay as our 52nd wine partner from all over the world.

“We will be very proud to present Hawke’s Bay wine culture among our tastings as part of the visit to the museum or tasting events.”

Craggy Range’s Global Brand Ambassador, David Peabody, emphasised the importance of this partnership: “The Cité du Vin is one of the top wine education centres in the world, with almost half a million people coming through its doors each year to learn and discover more about wine.

“Hawke’s Bay’s partnership with Cité du Vin means that our region will be many wine lovers’ first introduction to New Zealand wine, supercharged by talented staff focused on educating and informing.”

He continued, “It also puts our region alongside many other world-class and historic appellations, allowing Hawke’s Bay an unparalleled opportunity to establish itself in the consciousness of the global wine consumer. Furthermore, sparking interest for those who discover us in Bordeaux, to visit our actual home, driving visitors to our region.”

Church Road’s Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott, called the Great Wine Capitals accolade a “fantastic testament to the collective achievements of our region’s winegrowers and winemakers.” He added, “The benefit of membership to this exclusive club cannot be underestimated for its ability to raise global awareness for Hawke’s Bay wines.”