STELLAR LINEUP OF FOOD AND WINE PRODUCERS CONFIRMED FOR HARVEST HAWKE’S BAY 2024

Celebrated local chefs and iconic Hawke’s Bay wineries will be joined by some exciting newcomers at this year’s event.

Let the lip-smacking begin! Harvest Hawke’s Bay Wine & Food Festival’s organisers are delighted to announce that a sensational lineup of exhibitors are confirmed and ready to wow attendees at this year’s annual celebration of the Bay’s best food, wine and live music.

Views of Te Mata Peak from the Tukituki Valley Location

Harvest Hawke’s Bay 2024 takes place on Saturday, November 23rd, at the same location as last year: a spectacular riverside setting beneath Te Mata Peak in the Tukituki Valley. Tickets for the picnic style venue, amidst a luscious olive grove, are strictly limited to 2,200 to ensure an intimate, relaxed environment for Festival goers.

Once again, the exhibitors at this year’s one-day festival represent a fantastic mix of the region’s larger, well-known producers alongside some exciting boutique and emerging producers.

This year’s 18 participating wineries are: Ash Ridge, Askerne, Black Barn, Chateau Garage, Collaboration Wines, Cuvar Winery, Decibel Wines, Easthope, Maison Noire, Oak Estate, Paritua, Petane, Radburnd Cellars, Redmetal Vineyards, Smith & Sheth, Te Awanga Estate, Trinity Hill, and Vilaura.

Alongside the wineries, a lineup of nine of the region’s outstanding restaurants and eateries will be offering up some of their signature dishes, showcasing local ingredients. They are: Black Barn Bistro, Cellar 495, Deliciosa, Long Island Deli, Mr D's, Oak Estate Kitchen, Rasoi, Roam Napier, and Tu Meke Don.

“We’re thrilled we’ve been able to accommodate two more wineries than we did at last year’s inaugural event,” says Harvest Hawke’s Bay event manager Liz Pollock. “Throw in the delectable section of food on offer, along with the live music, and festivalgoers are in for a real treat.”

Chef Simon Lillico - Oak Estate Kitchen 

The delicious local cuisine will include such treats as Arataki honey and fennel seed glazed smoked salmon on flat bread with Hohepa Ricotta and a charred asparagus and crushed pea salad, from Oak Estate Kitchen, and a chicken liver parfait stuffed donut with bacon salt and pear & ginger chutney, lovingly crafted by Roam Napier.

Among those excited to be part of the festivities is renowned Hawke’s Bay winemaker Kate Radburnd. Like many of those involved in the Hawke’s Bay food and wine scene, Kate’s Radburnd Cellars has been on a rollercoaster of change over the past year and a half, having felt the traumatic impact of Cyclone Gabrielle last February.

The cyclone devastated Radburnd Cellars’ former home in Bay View, prompting a move to Ngatarawa Road in the acclaimed winegrowing locale known as the Bridge Pa Triangle.

This picnic-style event, amidst a luscious olive grove

“We’ve all had to adapt and embrace new beginnings over the last year and Harvest Hawke’s Bay is a golden opportunity to get ourselves out there, celebrating change with wine lovers from around the region, and those who travel from further afield to be part of this fantastic spring event,” says Kate.

Foodies and wine enthusiasts are advised to act quickly. Even though the big day is still three months away, almost half of the strictly limited tickets have already been sold.

“It’s a great day out for Hawke’s Bay locals as summer approaches and a wonderful reason to spend a weekend in the region if you’re from out of town,” Liz says.

“It may only be in its second year, but Harvest Hawke’s Bay is already establishing itself as a must-do on the annual food and wine calendar.”

Everything about Harvest Hawke’s Bay is designed to take the stress out of attending. A regional shuttle service is available from Havelock North, Hastings and Napier to transport attendees to and from the event.

Alternatively, festival goers can take advantage car parking adjacent to the festival site. Or, for those wanting to incorporate some exercise into the day, the site is conveniently located just off one of the many local cycleways. There are also various motorhome parking options available.