Wine, food, and music heralds start of F.A.W.C! in Bay

One of F.A.W.C!'s first events is set to showcase the region, and one of its historic homes. Photo / Supplied

The sixth year of F.A.W.C! will begin in style tonight, with the first of 75 spectacular events to be spread over the next 10 days.

Until November 12 locals and visitors alike can enjoy a range of events featuring local talent alongside special guests at locations across Hawke's Bay.

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said they were "feeling exceptionally good" about the sixth annual summer event - which offers a variety of events including free, and walk-up events.

This begins tonight with the outdoor Black Barn Market Round, which is nearly sold out.

"That is in conjunction with Hawke's Bay winegrowers so its really a huge showcase of Hawke's Bay wine, we've got 26 Hawke's Bay wineries showing off their wares which will be pretty cool," she said.

Tonight about 350 people will mingle under twinkling festoon lights, and wash down local drops with freshly prepared seasonal bites from Orton Tailored Cuisine as DJs play into the night.

This weekend is set to be "pretty chocka" with events - people can enjoy the first of the masterclass series, enjoy a Picnic in the Vines, or Celebrate Everything Spring with Nadia Lim.

Although more than 30 events have sold out, Ms Dundas said people should not feel they had missed out. Other events still had tickets available, while some tickets for sold out events were available on the F.A.W.C! marketplace site.

One of this weekend's sold out events was the Sotheby's Soiree at the luxury Glen Aros estate, which is on the market.

The restoration of the 1914 country homestead will be on show, with guests able to enjoy the luxury estate while sampling the creations of the award-winning team behind the Grove and Baduzzi, who will be working in the lodge's modern kitchen.

As well as displaying the property, New Zealand Sotheby's International managing director Fraser Holland said the event would showcase the splendour of Hawke's Bay to F.A.W.C!'s domestic visitors.

What made the Raukawa estate stand out was that the "grand country home" was set within "equally stunning" grounds, originally designed by landscape architect Alfred Buxton.

There are two homes located on 10ha. The original includes five bedrooms, pool house with conference room and gymnasium, and three car garage, with wine cellar and laundry. There is also a bespoke pool with spa, and waterfalls.

The second home was built in 2007, classic in design, with all the modern conveniences, three bedrooms and a study.