F.A.W.C! to open at new spot

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas.

Hawke's Bay's Food and Wine Classic is cooking up a new location and format for its grand summer opening.

For the past three years F.A.W.C! organisers have welcomed in a food and wine-filled series at Craggy Range - but in the interest of keeping things fresh are moving to an "informal" market-style space at Black Barn.

Running from 5pm to 7.30pm on November 6 the $45 event will feature 15 local wineries and will give people a chance to attend a host of other offerings later in the evening, including festivities at the Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival in Havelock North's Domain.

"We really want to bring it back to being a little bit more informal. We wanted a different location to showcase we wanted people to come and then try other things," Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas.

"The other thing is working around the Arts Festival. People can come to the opening then nip into the Spiegeltent for a show."

There were 800 tickets snapped up during a special pre-sale - more than ever sold on an opening day. About 21 of 65 events available have already sold out, with others close to capacity.

An Electrolux Culinary Theatre of Ideas will be held on November 7 at Napier's MTG featuring official ambassador and celebrity chef Ray McVinnie, alongside Nici Wickes, Giulio Sturla, James Beck and Brett McGregor. After 45 minutes of entertainment attendees will walk away with a F.A.W.C! tea towel and recipe, for just $10 per class. Bookings are essential.

Another "must see" is the Amazing Graze at Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market also hosted by McVinnie. It's an authentic, relaxed, alfresco lunch set amid the busy market hustle and bustle, for just $75 each.

Summer FAWC! runs for 10 days from November 6 to 15, with more than 60 events across the schedule. Download your official Book of F.A.W.C! 2015, for a guide to events or sign up for special offers on tickets, talent and events, as well as early-bird sales.

-For more information, or to book tickets visit: www.fawc.co.nz