Time to toast the best from the Bay

Annie Dundas, left, Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager, said Hawke's Bay was set for a fabulous opening weekend for Winter F.A.W.C. Photo / Glenn Taylor

This weekend is all about food and wine with Winter F.A.W.C!'s first 11 events kicking off a month of celebration.

Tickets for events have been flying out the door with seven of this weekend's events already sold out.

Hawke's Bay Tourism introduced the first Food and Wine Classic in 2012 and, as it was a huge success, it was decided to run a winter F.A.W.C! last year. The success of that ensured foodies would get another chance to enjoy Hawke's Bay's incredible food and wine again this winter.

The "Four Weekends of Winter F.A.W.C!" begins tonight and tomorrow with more than 400 "FAWCers" making the most of the events at venues around Hawke's Bay including Church Road Winery, Ten Twenty Four Restaurant, Black Barn Vineyards, Deliciosa Tapas and Wine, Craggy Range, Elephant Hill and Crab Farm Winery.

Annie Dundas, Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager, said Hawke's Bay was set for a fabulous opening weekend for Winter F.A.W.C!

"We are so thrilled at the level of enthusiasm from consumers to participate in Winter F.A.W.C! events. Anecdotal feedback shows the events are well supported by locals and out-of-towners which is fantastic. There are still tickets left for the next three weekends so if people wanted to join the Winter F.A.W.C! fun they should get online and buy now."

There are 51 events in the 2014 Winter F.A.W.C! programme totalling about 2000 tickets available with more than 80 per cent sold before the weekends get under way.

Events range from wine tastings and themed dinners to gate-to-plate tours and a day at the races.

Francis de Jaeger, Black Barn cellar Door and events manager, said they were excited to hold their "Black Barn Goes Underground to Italy" event. "We've tried to create an event that is intimate and special by using an authentic Italian influence to showcase Black Barn wines and venues, and great local winter produce, which is what we think F.A.W.C! is all about".

Tickets and full event info at www.fawc.co.nz