14 Sep Record-Breaking 2025 Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction Celebrates $5 Million Raised for Cranford Hospice
Sunday 14th September, 2025
The Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction reached a spectacular milestone yesterday, raising $370,000 for Cranford Hospice and taking the total funds raised over its 35-year history to more than $5 million.
More than 40 lots of the region’s finest wines, generously donated by Hawke’s Bay’s leading winemakers and businesses, went under the hammer – with every cent going directly to Cranford Hospice to support their vital work providing specialist palliative care to patients and families across the region.
The crowd of over 320 guests, along with 42 registered online bidders and three phone bidders, were treated to an afternoon of world-class wines, spirited competition, and extraordinary generosity.
A $5 Million Moment
The milestone came early in the day, when Isaac’s Plumbing, Pumping & Electrical secured Lot 7 – a half barrique of Trinity Hill 2025 Touriga Francesa Port-Style Wine – with a generous $35,000 bid. The room rose in a standing ovation as the total tipped over the $5 million mark.
Isaac’s Director Gavin Streeter said the moment was deeply meaningful for their team, who have long supported the auction and Cranford Hospice’s work.
Honouring Decades of Service
The celebration continued with recognition of Kate Radburnd and Tony Bish, who were acknowledged for more than 30 years of service as Trustees. Both will step down from the committee in 2025, marking the end of an era of extraordinary contribution.
Auction Highlights
The afternoon began in the Assembly Ballroom with a lively tasting of more than 40 wines from both the live and silent auction lots, including New Zealand’s most expensive wine, Lorenzo the Magnificent from Chateau Garage.
Guests were guided through the afternoon by Event Ambassador, Mike McRoberts, while auctioneer Chris Kennedy, in association with Harcourts Hawke’s Bay, kept the bidding fast-paced, entertaining, and full of energy.
Some standout sales included:
CAPE IX, the 2025 feature artwork by Joe Helmore, sold for $18,000
Lot 18: 12 magnums of 2019 Brookfields Reserve Hillside Syrah + lunch for eight, selling for $18,000
Three full barrique lots donated by the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association, Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District and Church Road, raising $40,000 collectively
By the end of the afternoon, a new record total of $370,000 had been raised – surpassing the previous record of $352,440 set in 2022.
A Community Effort
General Manager Sam Kershaw said the event embodied the spirit of Hawke’s Bay.
“Seeing so much generosity and community spirit in the room made for such an exciting afternoon. This was an auction full of excitement, surprises, and unforgettable moments.”
Cranford Hospice Chief Executive Andrew Lesperance acknowledged the deep impact of the funds raised, noting every dollar helps provide free, compassionate care to patients and their whānau.
The 2025 event once again demonstrated why the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction remains a highlight of the region’s calendar, bringing together world-class wine and an unwavering commitment to community.