I daresay had such a programme of events been pursued 20 or 30 years ago a lot of people would have likely just simply shivered and declared they were mad.
But they are not mad - they are simply inspired. And more than that, they are utilising two strong attributes this region has over most others.
First, we are not hammered or hampered by the real extremes of winter over on this eastern seaboard. You get a slight southwesterly running and those mountains will take the worst of it, and our mid-winter blue skies far outweigh the rough grey ones.
Secondly, the remarkable array of wineries, hotels, cafes and other venues across the landscape do not hibernate when June arrives.
They continue to provide fine things.
The winter celebration of food and wine is a great antidote for any "oh summer's so faraway" thoughts.
It is also a great initiative to attract tourists to the region at a time of year when many people do tend to slow down a little and not consider a few days away somewhere ... unless there is a good reason to do so.
How about reasonably reliable sunshine, great food, great wine and bubbling enthusiasm from the guest chefs and local chefs, as well as the winemakers who will be more than happy to talk about the third great vintage in a row and serve up some of the finest drops from those two previous seasons.
It is, in a way, a microcosm of the unique and exciting new Hawke's Bay Business Hub set-up.
The diverse food and wine family unite together to spark up Hawke's Bay to attract people here.
Good stuff.
