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."
The main meal was fresh fish, wagyu beef and salad. The dessert was "full of sweets" and a "raspberry, creamy dish".
"The White House, is one of the biggest and newest venues. It is modern but casual, and the balcony where we hosted the drinks looks out over the ocean and towards Cape Kidnappers and Bare Island."
All those who purchased tickets for the event left with a personally signed copy of the chef's latest cookbook.
Tourism Hawke's Bay general manager Annie Dundas said the opening weekend's events had been a "roaring success".
"It's been amazing. The Argentinian barbecue went off and was a sell-out, it's been amazing really."
She said a number of people from out of town had bought tickets for the events, while the Mint Juleps and The Melbourne Cup event at Black Barn Retreat only had a few tickets left.
Other events over the opening weekend included the Masterclass Series held at Craggy Range Winery with celebrity chef Ray McVinnie, Auckland's French Cafe chef Simon Wright and celebrity chef Nici Wickes.
Bosley's Burger Bar on Saturday night was also a popular event for locals. The free event was a celebration of Kiwi gourmet burgers with Wellington chef Martin Bosley at Advantage Wines in Havelock North.