FAWC: Events promise a summer to savour

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas at the launch of The Book of F.A.W.C! -- the official programme of F.A.W.C! Summer Series 2015 Food and Wine Classic -- at Monica Loves. Photo / Duncan Brown

With sales just shy of $1 million, FAWC! (Food and Wine Classic) has become one of Hawke's Bay's premium events.

Event organisers and sponsors gathered to celebrate the launch of the fourth FAWC! organised by Tourism Hawke's Bay, at Monica Loves in Napier last night.

Tourism Hawke's Bay general manager Annie Dundas said this year's FAWC! was "one out of the box".

"There are 65 events running over 10 days [November 6-15], all different and spiced with innovation and creativity," she said.

"We have some amazing out-of-town talent coming but you guys are the ones who make this thing sing."

She said the event wouldn't be possible without the sponsors and this year she was delighted to announce BMW had come on board.

"They have given us a branded car which I will look perfect in," she said with a laugh.

Jeff Gray chief executive Hamish Jacob said the company asked its staff what premium event in Hawke's Bay they thought BMW should sponsor.

"We asked them what they thought the best match would be for Hawke's Bay clients who enjoy our vehicles," Mr Jacob said.

FAWC! was the answer.

"We have agreed to assist over a number of years -- our cars will be prominent at events and this year we are bringing [chef] Josh Emett, who is a BMW ambassador, to the event."

With about 30 per cent of ticket sales coming from out of town, the event is a huge bonus for all Hawke's Bay businesses.

* Pre-sales begin tomorrow, with general sales on Saturday. For the full list of events and tickets, visit fawc.co.nz