After hundred of wines have been sniffed, swirled, sampled and spat, the judges have made their decision and all will be revealed tonight at the Hawke's Bay A&P; Mercedes Benz Wine Awards.
The Awards, set in the Waikoko Gardens at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, are a fitting way to toast the region and launch Hawke's Bay's Show Week.
For the hosts, the Hawke's Bay A&P; Society, the awards are another way to champion the region's primary industry and celebrate excellence.
Year on year the awards grow in success and prestige, as a way to champion the best the region produces and to bring business and industry together.
Representing the best of the best of Hawke's Bay wine, the awards have significant relevance to the industry, where wines are pitched like against like and are subject to strict international judging criteria.