Hawke's Bay Wine Auction general manager Sam Kershaw and winemaker Tony Bish toast to this year's auction. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
New Zealand's oldest wine auction is gearing up for its 32nd event this weekend.
The Hawke's Bay Wine Auction has raised more than $4.5m for the Cranford Hospice and it is on a mission to raise even more.
"When you live in a community you're all touched by people passing away and the need for palliative care is pretty visceral," says winemaker Tony Bish, who has been involved in the event for more than 25 years.
Hawke's Bay Wine Auction raised over 4.5 million for hospice
Nearly 50 of the region's wineries are donating wines, and many are blended especially for the event.
"There are fantastic wines, many of the auction lots are unique so the wineries put together a special blend that is only available at this auction... It's an opportunity to buy something completely unique and rare," said Bish.
Auction general manager Sam Kershaw said this year's donations included some impressive collections.
"There's the Coleraine vertical, as well as Te Mata Estate has put forward an Awatea vertical. Both of those verticals are every year from the first year they were made - we don't think those have ever gone up for auction, a vertical that complete. So there's some really iconic pieces of New Zealand wine history there," she said.
Fortunately, the economic downturn and challenges like Cyclone Gabrielle have not hindered the generosity of vineyards and buyers.
"Given how present Cranford are in the community, given how wide their reach is and how many families they touch - people really support the event," said Kershaw.
The hospice helps about 1000 a year with palliative care, and Bish said the fundraiser was not just for corporates and wine collectors - anyone can buy a ticket and get involved.
"Some people think it's intimidating to get into, to bid at an auction - but it's not if you form a syndicate. So get a group together, it could be six or eight of you, and then it's a very affordable cost of entry and you get to participate in a wonderful event and help a hospice," said Bish.