On Saturday night Church Road winery was all about Simply Red.
Last night, the colour was gold as Church Road walked away with the top honours at the Hawke's Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards.
It was a stunning effort by one of the Bay's premier wineries, their success capping a night of
celebration for the region's wine industry.
For Chris Scott, the winemaker at Church Road, last night was nothing short of a crowning glory.
In a competition judged as hard as many internationals shows, Church Road swept the boards.
The Church Road Syrah 2009 won Champion Wine of the Show, Champion Syrah and Sustainable Wine of the Show trophies.
Church Road also walked away with the Winery of the Year Award, Champion Merlot trophy for their Church Road Cuve Series Merlot 2008, the Champion Pinot Gris trophy for their Church Road Pinot Gris 2010 and the trophy for Champion Sweet Wine for their Church Road Reserve Noble Viognier 2009.
There were plenty of other worthy winners (see report on page 3 and full list of winners at www.hbtoday.co.nz) but no one came close to touching Church Road.
The marquee at Waikoko Gardens at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds was packed for the awards last night, a stunning showcase event not only for wine but also for our region. It was a spectacular way to kick-off the 2010 Hawke's Bay Show.
It may sound like a cliche but I believe it is true that events such as this really do put us on the map.
Again, the region and wine industry owes a huge thank you to the dedicated organisers and supporters of the A&P Mercedes-Benz Awards.
