Chardonnay delight tonight

Marg Turvey, from Sacred Hill Winery, will manage tonight's Chardonnay Indulgence event. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Two passionate wine professionals have scoured Sacred Hill's cellars for a selection to delight any chardonnay lover.

Hosted by senior winemaker Tony Bish and NZ wine expert Bob Campbell MW, the aptly named Chardonnay Indulgence will see guests navigating Rifleman's Vineyard heritage site, while sipping a newly released Virgin Chardonnay from the legendary 2013 vintage, tonight from 6.30pm.

They will then be whisked away to the cellar door for three flights of wines, including a sample from the barrel for 2014, followed by a rare vertical tasting of Riflemans back vintages and a mouth-watering selection of burgundies.

"We are really looking forward to delivering some of the best wines we have ever made into people's glasses, and to taste them along with some fabulous burgundies is a luxury many people will never have had before," Mr Bish says.

Following the masterclass, Puketapu Hotel will serve a selection of small plates.

F.A.W.C! provided Sacred Hill with a special opportunity to draw people directly to the heart of their business.

Managing director David Mason said: "For us, it's not just the wine that is important, it is the place, the heritage and the people behind the wine that tell the story. It's all about making an experience out of it. We love this type of intimate event, where we can open our doors to special visitors and tell them a little bit about what makes Hawke's Bay so fantastic."

After today, there are just a handful of tickets left to events throughout the weekend. If you have not already experienced Bridge Pa and Gimblett Gravels by bike, grab the opportunity and your cycle to take part in a Wineries Ride, leaving from Sileni Estate tomorrow from 9am.

Stop off at some cellar doors before parking up at Trinity Hill's wind-down party, which runs until 5pm.

*For more information or to book a ticket, visit fawc.co.nz.