Clearview Estate Winery co-owner Tim Turvey and winemaker Matt Kirby at Clearview Estate's Spanish Fiesta Dinner last night. Photo / Paul Taylor
Clearview Estate Winery co-owner Tim Turvey and winemaker Matt Kirby at Clearview Estate's Spanish Fiesta Dinner last night. Photo / Paul Taylor
Wonderful wines and fabulous food are set to be devoured this weekend with most F.A.W.C! events selling out.
The second weekend of Hawke's Bay's annual Food and Wine Classic has drawn hundreds of tourists and locals into wineries and restaurants around the region.
Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundassaid this weekend was especially attractive for cuisine enthusiasts with five of six events selling out last night and five of six again today.
"It's a popular weekend. There's still a handful of tickets for Old vs New at St George's [tonight]."
The weekend's chilly weather forecast had not had an impact on any of the events because they were being held inside, she said.
Some highlights this weekend were Criollo at Black Barn Bistro last night, Clearview Estate's Spanish Fiesta Dinner last night and, tonight, Medieval Feast at Crab Farm Winery, and Spice Wars between The Good Table and Bareknuckle BBQ tomorrow.
"Andrew at The Good Table is doing amazing things so tickets to his events will be worth it."
The rest of the festival is also set to be popular with other soldout events including Feast the Senses with Garage Project on June 16, Shake off the Winter Blues, A New Orleans Mardi Gras Party on June 16 and Te Kai o Neherā - The Food of Ancient Times on June 21.
"Edible fashion will be amazing as will Toasted in the last weekend," Dundas said.
More than 60 events are being held over four weekends for the festival, which ends on June 24.
The main opening event last Friday was Fine Wines of New Zealand Dinner with Josh Emett, Casey McDonald & Alistair Maling MW at Craggy Range winery.
As well as the feature events, from June 1 to 24 selected restaurants and cafes in Hastings, Napier, Havelock North and Te Awanga are offering dining deals ranging in price between $15 and $50.
To find out more about what's on offer and buy tickets, visit fawc.co.nz.
