It's all go in lead-up to wine awards

Hillary Riches and Bridget Hyslop have been preparing for tonight's awards for the past week. Photo / Glenn Taylor

After a short chat Hawke's Bay A&P Society business development manager Hillary Riches had to excuse herself yesterday - the workmen nearby were seeking clarification about the plans before them.

Over the past week Mrs Riches has been adeptly multitasking as preparations for the 14th annual Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards, being staged at Waikoko Gardens tonight, gradually began to build up.

And part of the many tasks she was happy to take on board was assisting with the lighting set-up - but far from a standard issue arrangement.

"We've been making it out of grapevines," she said.

And no ordinary grapevines for they have come from one of the local vineyards which has also picked up a gold medal for chardonnay.

As well, she was overseeing the marquee fittings and flooring yesterday.

"There is a lot of work involved in this and a lot of co-ordination," she said.

"In three weeks' time the committee will meet and we will start preparing for next year."

What made the event so special for Hawke's Bay winemakers and the industry across the board was that the participants were all judged by their peers, she said.

"Only Hawke's Bay wines."

She has been involved with the event since day one, back in 2000 when it was a more modest cocktail evening gathering.

Now more than 450 people turn up to taste the best and applaud the top wines as the big awards are handed out.

This year the great marquee will stay up a little longer to host a show function on Wednesday night.

Mrs Riches said the input from everyone involved made the event a success, and she praised the sponsors involved.

"We get so much great support from them all."