Counting down to Julys hottest red wine event

Wine lovers throughout the country are on the countdown to one of the most important dates on the annual wine calendar. Lucky ticket holders are only days away from walking through the doors to this year’s Hot Red Hawke’s Bay red wine expo, being held in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland over three days this week.

Andi Barrett has been attending the annual Auckland event since the very early days and she says this year’s show will be her fifth Hot Red Hawke’s Bay experience. “I just love the show, I can’t wait,” she says.

Hot Red Hawke’s Bay is being held in Christchurch at Christchurch Town Hall on Tuesday July 7; in Wellington at The Duxton Hotel on Wednesday July 8; and in Auckland at Heritage Hotel on Thursday July 9.

Andi says a big part of the appeal is being able to learn more about each of the wines. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet the winemakers and ask questions about why they have done what they have,” she says.

“You just don’t get the same from a retail store - even those well versed in their wines. You have a far greater appreciation of the wines as a result. It’s also cool to meet the winemakers and put a face to the name,” she adds.

Andi says she looks forward to the event each year and now goes with a small group of friends so that they can sample the different wines and talk with the winemakers together.
“It’s good to keep trying different wines as over time your palette can change, so it’s important to taste and try. Over time it has been like a vertical tasting and we’ve had the opportunity to get to understand the impact of the different seasons and how wines age,” she says.

“It’s a learning opportunity as well as a fun night out, and great value for money – it’s just not long enough for my liking!”

Another eager wine enthusiast looking forward to this year’s show is Aucklander, Dave Hillyard.
Dave was the winner of last year’s Wine Lovers’ Dream Weekend competition, run in conjunction with the Hot Red expo, and was one of the first people to request a 2009 catalogue ahead of the show so that he could plan his time.
“Last year was my first Hot Red experience and I had such a great time that I want to be sure this year I make the most of this opportunity and get the chance to taste all the wines I’m interested in,” he says.

“Our Dream Wine Lovers’ Weekend in Hawke’s Bay was also such an amazing experience; we met so many great people. We’re looking forward to seeing them again at this year’s show.”

Lyn Bevin of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. says many attendees return to the show year after year.
“Hot Red Hawke’s Bay has become an important event on the national wine calendar and many of our guests book it in months ahead of schedule to ensure they don’t miss out,” she says.

“Our wineries and winemakers are showing wines of the highest quality, many of them award winning; our guests attend for this very reason. It really is a rare opportunity and one not to be missed.”

General admission tickets are $35 which includes a special Hot Red wine glass, wine samples of all wines, and a full catalogue of all wines and wineries. There will be door sale tickets available at $40 at the Auckland and Christchurch shows (no EftPos available).

Hospitality trade and media can register online at no charge.

Online ticket sales have now closed and general admission tickets for the first two shows in Christchurch and in Wellington can be purchased at specific retailers in those cities – listed on www.winehawkesbay.co.nz Tickets for the Auckland expo being held on Thursday 9, can be booked by phoning 0800 442 9463.