Hawke's Bay Wine Auction to offer about 40 lots for benefit of hospice

This year's Hawke's Bay Wine Auction for Cranford Hospice will be its 30th iteration. Photo / Supplied

The enduring Hawke's Bay Wine Auction is poised to celebrate its 30th iteration with a stunning 40 lots.

Wineries from within the region generously create wines to be auctioned and gifted to Cranford Hospice as part of the iconic annual event.

The 2021 auction will be hosted on September 18 at ToiToi HB Arts and Events Centre, drawing oenophiles, wine lovers and those who enjoy a casual glass of wine with friends.

The committee said the lots, which will be available for viewing at hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz, were "extremely impressive".

The live auction includes packages from many wineries and businesses, with this year's feature artist being John Lancashire.

A selection of silent auction lots will be available to bid on at the event.

This year's Ambassador Blend is a collaboration with Event Ambassador Mike McRoberts, Elephant Hill restaurant and winemaker Hugh Crichton.

Auction chairwoman and Radburnd Cellars director, Kate Radburnd, said she was "honoured to partner with so many of Hawke's Bay's premium wine producers to showcase the outstanding wines our region is creating! We have had another stellar vintage ... so all wines are sure to be stunning".

Auction general manager Elisha Milmine said the auction lots were revealed on June 18, with the exception of the art by John Lancashire which will be revealed on July 1 at an exclusive unveiling for event partners, and the general public from July 2.

"This year's artwork is a very special addition which John is generously creating for the 30th Hawke's Bay Wine Auction".

The lots will also be showcased on Hawke's Bay Wine Auction Facebook page between now and event time.

"Since 1991 when the first auction was held, the generosity of participating wineries, local businesses, corporate partners, supporting bidders and volunteers, has raised funds which have been solely gifted Cranford Hospice, these funds help Cranford care for patients and their families living in the Hawke's Bay, each and every day. Supporting Cranford Hospice is the core charitable mission of the Hawke's Bay Wine Auction, whose cumulative giving surpassed $3.9 million in 2020."

* Hawke's Bay Wine Auction tickets go on sale on July 1, numbers are limited and typically sell out. Tickets will be available at hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz

* To follow updates sign up at www.hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz or "like" Hawke's Bay Wine Auction on its Facebook page.