"We enjoy our food and wine, we consider ourselves foodies."
They try to get to Hawke's Bay five or six times a year and jumped at the opportunity to attend F.A.W.C! when it began.
"We had been visitors to the Bay for a number of years.
"Thanks to the great work of Hawke's Bay Tourism we got into the F.A.W.C! events."
Apart from the amazing food and wine, the festival was also a great way to meet like-minded people, he said.
"We've met some really lovely, genuine, open people ... that we've stayed in contact with.
"We've always found everybody, locals and visitors like ourselves, very welcoming and hospitable."
However, he was always surprised to meet Hawke's Bay locals each year who had never been to a F.A.W.C! event.
"We've eaten all over the world, at some of the best restaurants in New Zealand and some of the best food and wine is here in Hawke's Bay.
"Right on their doorstep are these amazing experiences with local people.
"I'd just encourage people to enjoy the fantastic opportunities ... there are things that cater to every budget."
Some of the standouts for the Wheelers have been Black Barn's Secret Location with Fat Freddy's Drop in 2016, anything with chef Al Brown and a long lunch with Michael Van de Elzen at The Old Church.
"We haven't had a negative experience, they've all been fantastic."
An event with Bistronomy's James Beck several years ago still brings back fond memories for Wheeler.
"We still tell people about it now, his artistic skills and ability with food is incredible."
They also try go to new experiences each year and last night attended Take a Taste of Tomorrow at EIT Scholars Restaurant for the first time.
They drove down on Thursday for Wine Maker's Dinner with Trinity Hill at Malo, today they will experience Chefs in Homes at Elephant Hill Lodge and tomorrow will be going to The Truffle Trail with the Manse & Sacre Monte at The Manse.
"On Monday, sadly, we're leaving."
They usually drive here in their 1960 black Chevrolet Impala but left it at home this year because they were worried about the weather.
The festival opened on June 1 with Fine Wines of New Zealand Dinner with Josh Emett, Casey McDonald & Alistair Maling MW at Craggy Range winery.
Events ranged from $25 to $275 and included everything from cooking demonstrations to dinners in luxury lodges, wine tastings, a battle to determine Hawke's Bay's best toasted sandwich, and truffle hunts.
As well as the feature events, from June 1 to 24 selected restaurants and cafes in Hastings, Napier, Havelock North and Te Awanga have been offering dining deals ranging in price between $15 and $50.
