FAWC: Glasses raised for opener

A scotch tasting event at Pipi bar, Havelock North, proved a warm attraction as dozens gathered for the winter Food and Wine Classic event.

Other events that kicked off the classic last night included a whisky tasting at The Gatsby Room, Art Deco Masonic Hotel, and a screening of Haute Cuisine comedy at the Globe Theatrette was followed by a dinner at The Factory.

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said the event had sold out largely because Pipi had a great following locally and with visitors.

"It has such a great feel inside - it's a whisky tasting too, so it's not all about Hawke's Bay wine, its a little bit different."

She said 16 of the 28 F.A.W.C events had sold out with people coming from across the North Island.

"We get plenty of people coming from out of town, right now I've got people staying with me from Auckland and Wellington.

She said the winter F.A.W.C was themed, with seasonal produce and had only four events rather than 10 for the summer version.

"Winter is just a little bit more intimate, we have events around fireplaces and in smaller indoor venues."

Pipi bar manager Alexandra Tylee said 27 people filled her bar for the premium scotch tasting.

"It's great for the bar, people want to come back and people from outside Hawke's Bay also make the journey."