Fine wine auction bids to raise over $100k

Organisers are confident more than $100,000 will be raised for Cranford Hospice on the back of spectacular wine offerings and significant sponsorship support for this year's Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Charity Fine Wine Auction.

Local bottling business WineWorks has signed up as the major sponsor, and the high level of support from others in the business community means the November 8 event will be largely self-funded with proceeds benefiting a much loved, local charity.

Forty wineries are donating auction lots, including one-off blends mainly from the 2013 vintage, which Te Mata Estate chairman and Cranford Hospice patron John Buck describes as an "amazing vintage that will define Hawke's Bay for years to come".

Other auction lots include a large landscape painting by artist Freeman White, who recently did an impressive body of work for the New Zealand film What We Do in the Shadows.

A seven-day holiday package for up to 12 people in a luxury Vanuatu villa is also up for grabs thanks to the Reef House and House of Travel Hawke's Bay.

Fundraising manager Shirley Collins said: "Every year this is an exceptional event, and we encourage everyone to make a fun afternoon of this event by joining up with friends, pooling money and bidding on lots as groups.

"There will be a lot on offer, and participating in groups is a good way for people to get their hands on some unique and stunning wines without breaking the bank."

Cranford Hospice general manager Helen Blaxland said: "The auction format will be kept simple, and will include an afternoon pre-tasting function, food and music, followed by the auction itself, all held at the Hawke's Bay Racing Centre.

"It's going to be a nice casual environment where everyone is welcome, and we hope a wide range of people will come along and enjoy it."

Mrs Blaxland said wine growers had shown huge support with generous volumes on offer, and it makes sense to bid in groups.

"It's also a good chance for people who have used Cranford Hospice to come along and perhaps get special labels made for winning lots in memory of loved ones."

Auctioneer for the event will be retiring Napier MP Chris Tremain.

The auction has raised more than $2 million for Cranford Hospice over the past 22 years, with funds helping to keep palliative care services free for terminally ill patients.

Tickets go on sale end of this month . See cranfordhospice.org.nz