Begin your Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction weekend with an extraordinary dining experience unlike any other.

On Friday 11 September, the evening before the auction, join seven of Hawke’s Bay’s leading winemakers for an intimate Winemakers’ Dinner at the acclaimed Cellar 495.

This exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to meet the people behind some of the most sought-after wines in this year’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction. Throughout the evening, the winemakers themselves will pour their wines, sharing the stories behind each vintage, their winemaking philosophies, and the journey from vineyard to barrel.

Whether you’re a passionate collector, serious wine enthusiast or simply love exceptional food and wine, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the craftsmanship behind the wines before they go under the hammer the following day.

Sample Seven Auction-Exclusive Wines

Guests will enjoy guided tastings of the seven full-barrique wine lots featured in this year’s auction – some of the most significant and collectible lots on offer. All of these wines have been created exclusively for the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction and will never be available through retail channels.

Together, these full-barrique (or barrique equivalent) lots showcase the breadth and quality of Hawke’s Bay winemaking, from elegant Chardonnays to beautifully structured red blends.

Paired with an unforgettable Cellar 495 dining experience

Complementing the wines will be a beautifully crafted three-course dinner prepared by the award-winning culinary team at Cellar 495 (a Cuisine Good Food Guide 1 hat restaurant).

Renowned for showcasing the very best seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce, Cellar 495 provides the perfect setting for an evening celebrating the region’s world-class food, wine and hospitality.