Gin slinger to vine tender
Joe Stenberg was studying physiology at Auckland University when he opted for an elective paper in viticulture, delving a little deeper into the wines he was pouring in his part time bar job.
The collection, donated by local wine enthusiast and plant scientist Stuart Tustin, features a bottle from each vintage, from its very first in 1982, through to 2021, with 1992, 1993 and 2012 being non-producing years.
"This feels like the perfect opportunity to find a new home for the collection, at a healthy price, and support a fantastic facility," Stuart says. "I hope we do it justice."
The Hawke's Bay Wine Auction is the largest annual private contributor to Cranford Hospice each year, with last year's auction raising more than $300,000.
"It has to be noted that some of our 2024 lots are without doubt the most thrilling we've seen," says Hawke's Bay Wine Auction Chair Peter Cowley. "We've been blown away by the quality of the lots so generously donated by winemakers and supporters, and the excitement that is building as we head into the auction is palpable."
The first opportunity to sip and sample the wines on offer takes place on Wednesday 14 August at the Napier War Memorial Centre with the auction itself, including a tasting prior to the gavel being lifted on the first lot, at Toitoi Hawke's Bay Arts and Event Centre on Saturday 14 September.
To see all lots on offer and purchase tickets go to hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz. Anyone wanting to make a phone bid on the day should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
