Visitors flock to food and wine party

FINE WINE: An intimate group gathered at Trinity Hill owners cottage for the sold out Tempting Tempranillo lunch yesterday. PHOTOS/WARREN BUCKLAND

Celebrity chef Ray McVinnie is back in town with a host of other visitors for another fabulous weekend of F.A.W.C!

This year's Summer Series has been the most successful yet, with about 40 of the 61 events selling out and 10 more close to capacity.

Offerings for today and tomorrow are mostly filled up, but people can still get in the mood with a free Magical Mushroom Tour, The Wineries Ride leaving Sileni at 10am this morning or Truck Off at Te Awanga Estate tomorrow from 5pm, to name a few.

Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Charity Fine Wine Auction is set to be a big drawcard at The Cheval room tonight, with all proceeds donated to Cranford Hospice.

Mr McVinnie will be attending a number of events while here and was likely to make an appearance at the Hastings Farmers Market.

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said visitors were not only lapping up F.A.W.C! but bringing money into the region.

"We have a good crew coming from California for three events, there's a good bunch from Australia and the usual [guests] from Auckland and Wellington.

"We have had some people visiting who bought coffee tables and all sorts, so that is positive."

There were also reports more and more people were attending for the first time, a sign the event was growing steadily.

Yesterday people gathered at Trinity Hill for a sold out lunch with chief winemaker Warren Gibson to celebrate the launch of his 2013 Tempranillo topped off with Spanish-inspired dining.

It was one of nine events hosted by the winery, which has been involved with Hawke's Bay Food and Wine Classic since it's inception.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit: fawc.co.nz