Taste of democracy revealed: Hawke’s Bay the big winner in new Parliament wine contract

Four of the seven winning wines come from Hawke's Bay.

The taste of New Zealand’s democracy can now be unveiled, and perhaps uncorked, with Parliamentary Service confirming the seven wines it will be showcasing in a new range.

The Herald revealed Parliament’s plans to unveil a wine range earlier this year, while the process was still being approved and wines were being sipped to find the finest, most democratic choices for the halls of power.

The seven chosen vinos have now been revealed with the majority coming from Hawke’s Bay - a region from which the “best in the world” chardonnay hails, and a location deemed one of the great “wine capitals” of the world.

The four wines from Hawke’s Bay are a Leveret Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Mills Reef Reserve Syrah, Mills Reef Reserve Merlot Malbec and Leveret IQ Brut.

Also on the menu are a Pinot Noir from Martinborough’s Luna Estate, a Pinot Gris from North Canterbury’s 27seconds and a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from Eva Pemper.

The new wines will be available for purchase at Parliament’s gift shop later this year and will be served at parliamentary events and on-site eateries.

Wines on the winning list will also be presented as the house brand in Parliament’s upmarket Bellamy’s restaurant, and Pickwicks bar.

The wines will also be served at parliamentary events and have previously been tipped as potential gifts for foreign dignitaries.

Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero previously explained the rationale behind the decision to launch an exclusive wine range.

In a prior statement to the Herald, Gonzalez-Montero said wine was purchased through a retailer, which could cost more than other options.

“By working directly with local New Zealand, homegrown, wineries and having dedicated suppliers we can negotiate a better price by buying in bulk and ensure we are supporting local businesses who have grown and produced this wine in New Zealand,” he said at the time.

Gonzalez-Montero added that the project would support New Zealand’s local wine industry and help to reduce costs overall.

In a new statement upon the launch of the wines, Parliamentary Catering general manager Bryce Hughes said the range “represents an array of wine regions which showcase the diversity and richness our country’s wine industry has to offer”.

“We thank all the wineries who took part in this initiative, and we’re proud to be able to showcase a small section of this industry and the people behind it,” Hughes added.

Wineries have a three-year contract with the Parliamentary Service.

Azaria Howell is a Wellington-based multimedia reporter with an eye across the region. She joined NZME in 2022 and has a keen interest in city council decisions, public service agency reform and transport.