The line-up of wines for the 2011 Hot Red Hawke's Bay expos to be staged in Auckland and Wellington has been described as the most comprehensive yet.
"I have just completed the final list of wines we will be showing and the mix is superb," Hawke's Bay Winegrowers executive officer Lyn
Bevin said.
A total of 137 Bay wines will be shown in Wellington and 141 in Auckland - and for the first time the traditionally "red" expos will feature white wines.
"About 40 per cent is white with red wines making up the rest," Ms Bevin said. "I'm delighted as we don't limit or dictate what the wineries want to show so this is a great result.
"Not only will guests see the best of our whites, we will also keep happy those who want to see their favourite reds."
She said the mix of wines reflected the varieties produced in strength in the region.
The Bay's red blends and Syrah dominate the list, with Chardonnay close behind.
Included in the line-up are 36 trophy and gold medal award winners.
New varieties have added a colourful diversity to the line-up, including the Beach House Montepulciano 2009, Clearview's Reserve sauvignon Gris 2010, Esk Valley's Verdelho 2010 and two Villa Maria wines - the Cellar Selection Arneis 2010 and the Reserve Greanache 2007.
"One thing is for certain, there is bound to be a wine for everyone," Ms Bevin said.
Wineries participating this year:
Abbey Cellars, Alpha Domus, Askerne Vineyards, Babich Wines, Beach House Wines, Black Barn Vineyards, Bridge Pa, Church Road, CJ Pask Winery, Clearview Estate, Couper's Shed, Crossroads, Craggy Range, Cypress Wines, Elephant Hill, Esk Valley, Junction Wines, Mission Estate, Moana Park, Ngatarawa Wines, Sileni Estates, Te Awa, Vidal Estate and Villa Maria.
The expos will be staged in Wellington at the Chaffers Dock Function Centre on Wednesday, June 22 and in Auckland at The Floating Pavilion at the Viaduct Basin on Thursday, June 23.
