Food fanatic David Burch who attended the FA.W.C! launch event at Black Barn Vineyards said he could not choose a favourite moment.
"The whole atmosphere was fantastic, I'd say the whole event was the highlight."
Mr Burch said he had tickets to three more F.A.W.C! events but "if we could go to more, we certainly would," he said.
This year's F.A.W.C! summer series has adopted a number of different themes that have so far been welcomed by F.A.W.Cers.
Cassie Aranui donned a checked shirt and bandanna for Trinity Hill's Hillbilly night on Saturday .
Miss Aranui said the relaxed atmosphere of the night was a definite highlight.
A country music played throughout the night while groups of all ages sat around a bonfire and toasted marshmallows after devouring a barbecue style buffet.
This year there are many F.A.W.C! events under $100 on offer, and many include transport.
F.A.W.C! was intended to introduce people to what Hawke's Bay had to offer, to both locals and those from afar, Ms Dundas said.
Craggy Range executive chef Andrew Saxon said their foraging event showcased homegrown fare and most vegetables were picked from the winery's "secret garden".
The dish of the night was the Hawke's Bay lamb that had been pickling for five days before the event. Mr Saxon said the name of the event, "A sense of place," was designed to give people a sense of their surroundings. Diners sat in the garden and soaked in scenes of Te Mata Peak while feasting on some of the region's best.
With still a week to go, the F.A.W.C! calendar is crammed full of events set to impress.
In the mix is a mad hatters tea party at Ormlie, a cultural experience called Sail with Kai in the Bay where people are treated to ten indigenous dishes aboard Te Matau a Maui, a traditional Polynesian Waka, and a top secret lunch with Al Brown. For more information, or to book tickets visit: www.fawc.co.nz.
Check out what's on offer today and tomorrow
Today
Cook Up - Foraged NZ Cuisine - Part 2. James Beck (Bistronomy) and Michael Hannah (The Loading Ramp) and Chef Giulio Sturla from the much acclaimed Roots restaurant in
Lyttelton present a unique eight course degustation dinner based on the foraged findings and other ingredients telling the story of NZ food, the season and the people behind food.
Bristronomy $130 per person, additional $80 payable on the night for an optional wine match 6.30pm-10.30pm
Electrolux pop-up kitchen with Pipi Cafe: Local Havelock North favorite Pipi Cafe is making the move to Napier for this one-off pop-up restaurant. Owner Alexandra Tylee will be cooking up a three course dinner showcasing some of her favorite dishes for the summer season and showing you how to make the most out of Hawke's Bay's bountiful local and seasonal produce.
Art Deco Masonic Hotel dinner $65, including a wine matched $85 6.30-9.30pm.
Tomorrow
Meet up with your dog walking pals and opt to exercise the dog over a vino instead. For your fluffy friend a chance to play with some of the winery dogs of the Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa and have a good ole run round on the lawn at Trinity Hill (don't worry, the gates will be closed). Booking in advance will guarantee your canine a doggy bag as well as a bite for yourself. Alternatively, rock up on the day for some spontaneous four legged fun. It's a dog's life! Leads and well socialised dogs are preferred.
Trinity Hill 4.30pm- 6pm $10
Masterwine's Quiz: Do you know your Verdicchios from your Verdelhos, your Bordeaux's from your Burgundies and your Fromage from your Football players? Enter your team of four and come join us for a fun and entertaining rapid fire quiz based loosely around all things vino with irreverent host Trinity Hill's John Hancock as Quiz Master. Includes wine and half-time platters, cash bar also open during the evening.
Deliciosa 6.30-10pm R1
