• Syrah takes top honours at Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards

Syrah takes top honours at Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards

Syrah was declared the Champion Wine of the Show beating Chardonnay which had previously won for three consecutive years. 

The Church Road McDonald Series Syrah 2019 received two other trophies at the 21st Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards, held at the Exhibition Hall at the Tomoana Showgrounds. 

Hawke’s Bay A&P Society General Manager Sally Jackson said it indicates they were incredibly proud to bring the wine industry together to celebrate this huge milestone event recognizing the 21st anniversary of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards and acknowledged the commitment, passion and talent that was present across the industry.

“The primary sector is the cornerstone of our region’s economy, and the event  aims to identify, promote, and celebrate excellence in winemaking in the region as well as endorsing the contribution viticulture has to the economic, cultural, and social well-being of Hawke’s Bay.”

Event Manager Isabelle Crawshaw said more than 343 wines were tasted by a team of 12 judges with Chardonnay being the largest category of wine being judged this year’s competition.

“The vision of Max Morton, the original Wine Awards Committee Chairperson, alongside a committee of incredibly passionate leaders 21 years ago was clear, and that was to gather the wine industry across the region and recognize those excelling in their field.”

“As a celebration that began in the paddock with only a handful of wines and a group of passionate winemakers, these awards have now grown into a pillar event on the Hawke’s Bay calendar.”

Heading up the judging team was Ant Mackenzie. With 25 years in the wine industry around the world, he was blown away by the calibre of entries in the 2021 competition noting that the quality of wine over the past four years has increased year on year.

“A highlight for this year’s judging panel was seeing the smaller and more diverse wineries receiving medals. Over 75 per cent of all entries submitted this year were awarded a medal and this was a direct result of a perfect season with crops across Hawke’s Bay being grown with a strong concentration of flavours.”

“The past two years, the wine industry has had to adapt their business practices reflecting the impact of COVID on the industry and it has truly rallied together under extreme circumstances.”

The winner of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers Hall of Fame was Kate Radburnd, who was recognised for her leadership, mentoring, advocacy and ability to empower others in the wine industry across New Zealand.

She has strived to create a pathway for women within the industry and has strived to develop the next generation of winemakers.

"Kate is very passionate about Hawke’s Bay varietals and over the years has made award-winning wines and developed her own wine label, Radburnd Cellars. She has held many titles over her years within the industry and works every day to lead, inspire and advocate for the Wine Industry."

Official Results:
The 2020 Champion Wine of Show
Church Road McDonald Series Syrah 2019

The Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers Hall of Fame for 2021
Kate Radburnd

The Vintech Pacific Wine Technologies Champion Commercial Wine for 2021
Church Road McDonald Series Syrah 2019

The NZ Frost Fans Champion Export Wine for 2021
Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019

The Building Intelligence Group Outstanding Wine of Provenance for 2021
Villa Maria Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2008, 2014 and 2019 vintages

The Wineworks Sparkling Wine for 2021
Te Awanga Estate Loved Up Methode Traditionelle 2015

The Hawke’s Bay Wine Company Sauvignon/Semillon for 2021
Ka Tahi Sauvignon Blanc 2021

The Somerset Smith Partners Pinot Gris for 2021
Haha Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2021

The Connec+ Rose for 2021
Esk Valley Hawke’s Bay Rose 2021

The Jenny Nilsson House of Travel Hawkes Bay Cellar Door of the Year for 2021
Askerne Estate Winery

The Bay Mazda Hawke’s Bay Premium White Varietals for 2021
Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Albarino 2021

The ATI Engineering Chardonnay for 2021
Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2019

The winner of the Red Blends, Merlot Dominant for 2021
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

The No.9 Red Blends Cabernet Sauvignon Dominant for 2021
Elephant Hill Stone Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The Fluidex Transport Ltd Syrah for 2021
Church Road McDonald Series Syrah 2019

The Great Things Grow Here Other Premium Red Varietals and Blends for 2021
Beach House Cabernet Franc 2020

The Hurford Parker Insurance Sweet Wine for 2021
Osawa Wines Noble Gewurztraminer 2019

The EIT Student Wine for 2021
Alena Kamper with Ruby Port 2021

The Hawke’s Bay A&P Society and Craggy Range Young Vintners Scholarship for 2021
Maddison Airey