Chairman of Judges Rod Easthope judging the many wines entered in the Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards. Photo / Paul Taylor
Chairman of Judges Rod Easthope judging the many wines entered in the Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards. Photo / Paul Taylor
With Hawke's Bay winemakers still basking in the glow of one of the best harvests in living memory, the 2019 Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards is set to be the most jubilant celebration yet.
General manager for the Hawke's Bay A&P Society Sally Jackson said judges from across New Zealand and Australia were ready for the big task ahead of them.
"The Wine Awards exist to honour the incredible talent we are able to enjoy in the winemaking sector here in Hawke's Bay, and to showcase that talent to the world," Jackson said.
"Winemaking is key to the success of our region's primary sector and it's important to stop, take stock, reflect and recognise excellence within this industry each year."
This year nine judges will taste more than 320 wines. Merlot blends are the largest category. Winemaker and owner of Easthope Family Winegrowers, Rod Easthope, is now into his third year as chairman of judges.
Barry Riwai tests one of the around 80 wines each judge has to test. Photo / Paul Taylor
He says he's consistently impressed with the quality of the wines entered each year and says 2019 is no different.
"There is a real sense of excitement and optimism among Hawke's Bay winemakers right now – we're riding the wave of one of our most incredible harvests in recent history and Hawke's Bay wines are continuing to pick up accolades across the globe," Easthope said.
He and theother judges have spent the past twodays testing a range of wines from the region. "We have over 300 being tested and each judge tests about 80 each and gives their own individual score. At the end of the process we have a brief discussion about them but we normally come to a general consensus and back each other's individual score," Easthope said.
"These regional shows are a lot easier for judges because they taste fewer wines then a national competition and even though we do clear our palates the body does tend to absorb some of the wine over the day - which can make for some long days also," Easthope joked.
All winners for the 2019 Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards will be announced at a dinner on October 16 at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds.
Guests will be able to taste all 18 trophy-winning wines and eatfour courses of Hawke's Bay food provided by the Mission Estate, Deliciosa, chef William Mordido and the culinary arts team at EIT Hawke's Bay.
Tickets are on sale now by contacting even manager Isabelle Crawshaw on 021 181 8686 or by email awards@showgroundshb.co.nz.
