August 26, 2011

Hawke’s Bay wine in the spotlight at ‘summer sips’

‘Summer Sips’ will put the very best of Hawke’s Bay wine under the spotlight during the Epicurious Festival.

‘Summer’ Sips will be hosted ‘market style’ in the Hawke’s Bay Opera House Plaza as part of the Epicurious Festival, a three day weekend of wine food and musical entertainment.

Described as a beginners guide to wine tasting, ‘Summer Sips’ is your chance to indulge your wine fantasies. You can taste at your leisure while talking to the wine makers about their products and learn more about an industry that is now an integral part of the Hawke’s Bay economy.

Along with tasting some of the best Hawke’s Bay wines on offer, you will get to sample the winemakers choice of their top vintage. For beginners or experienced wine buffs, ‘Summer Sips’ will be an event to remember in the fabulous surroundings of the Hawke’s Bay Opera House plaza.

Hawke’s Bay Opera House Manager Roger Coleman says “Summer Sips is a great opportunity to learn about wine appreciation from the very people who know the most - the winemakers themselves. Seminars will be held all afternoon by the wineries and the winemakers will talk about their product and how to taste, savour and appreciate the qualities of their wines.”

“For those wanting to learn a little more about the 'epicurious' nature of wines, this is a great place to start” Mr Coleman says.

Wineries taking part in ‘Summer Sips’ include Beach House, Unison, CJ Pask, Te Awa, Clearview, Vidals, Sacred Hill, Craggy Range, Elephant Hill, Trinity Hill, Mills Reef and Paritua.

The entry price includes wine tasting, a souvenir wine glass and seminars hosted by local wine makers.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “the wine industry plays an extremely valuable role in creating a vibrant economy. ‘Summer Sips’ will be an excellent opportunity for locals and visitors to meet the makers and learn more about how a world class wine is created. You may even find your new favourite.”

The Epicurious Festival starts on Friday September 23rd with the True Legends country music concert in the Hawke’s Bay Opera House theatre.

On Saturday the 24th there’s the New Zealand Olive Festival and a black tie dinner at the Opera House, features kiwi singer/songwriter Peter Urlich.

Sunday begins with a special Farmers’ Market at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds and then Summer Sips in the Opera House plaza. A special homecoming concert by international soprano Anna Leese in the Opera House wraps up Epicurious weekend.

What: ‘Summer Sips’
Where: Hawke’s Bay Opera House Plaza
Dates: Sunday September 25th 12 till 4pm
More information is available from www.epicurioushb.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media