Charity Wine Auction continues its generous contribution to Cranford Hospice

Cranford Hospice benefitted from the generosity of the region’s wine industry and both die-hard and new bidders at the Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers’ Charity Wine Auction, to the tune of $65,000.

Relaunched in a new format this year, the Auction, the longest running such event in the country was held on a glorious Hawke’s Bay winter’s day at Sileni Estate.  Spirited and yet convivial bidding saw many regulars take home well priced wine lots, with a number of first-time bidders getting a taste for the event.

“We are delighted with the support this event receives from the wineries and from our generous supporters.  While the total amount is well down on other years, we think it is a more a reflection on the economic times than on anything else,” says Lyn Bevin, executive officer with Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers.

Long-time auction bidder, Robin Sage, who is delighted with his syndicate’s success in winning two lots, agrees.  “It’s understandable that wineries donations are of smaller quantities and therefore they are likely to raise less, and times are harder for everyone; it’s hard to get what’s not there.”

The new format of an afternoon event, with superb tapas-style continuous food and varietal themed tasting tables, was received well.  Guests sat at small tables, cabaret style, with bidders serious about securing their desired prizes, up close to the auctioneer.

Although for one local couple, it made no difference.  While the wife sat on their bidding paddle, auctioneer Chris Tremain, MP, continued to take bids on the nod of her husband sitting slyly next to her.

Bids were also accepted online and there was one regular who was on holiday bidding by phone from Singapore.

There was also a flurry of activity in between the two flights of bidding, with some guests approaching others to create on-the-spot syndicates to secure upcoming lots.  “It was most amusing to watch the little clusters forming in huddles to create their strategies; it gave a real air of excitement,” said Ms Bevin.

The sculpture commissioned especially for the event by Hawke’s Bay artist Ricks Terstappen, entitled ‘Still life with a bit of red’ was won, after animated bidding, by the wife of a local winemaker who was ecstatic with her success.

Organisers believe the new format, with a few refinements, will see the event grow and continue to attract more new bidders who may have previously felt out of their league financially.

“This is a great event for a really worthy cause and our aim is to keep it relevant to the times and the economic situation facing all of us.  It works because of all the goodwill; it’s a win situation for everyone involved.”