The F.A.W.C! Summer Series got off to a "fantastic" start with a number of the opening events selling out, including a Beach Front Dinner with celebrity chef Annabel Langbein.
The series, with more than 50 events over 10 days, began with a launch party at Craggy Range Winery on Friday, and will finish on November 10 with the Carnivore Carnival at the Hawke's Bay races.
Black Barn Retreats accommodation manager Liv Reynolds said the sold out dinner with Langbein was attended by 42 people, who enjoyed the "ocean views and sounds" of The White House on Saturday evening. "The weather held out for us, which was great because that was the one thing we couldn't control."
She said the meal, with the free range cook and Black Barn Bistro head chef Terry Lowe, began with oysters and champagne, and was followed by the entree, a crab risotto.
"The main was spread out on the table and encouraged everyone to to share and interact like you would at a family dinner."