The F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic Winter 2018 programme launched this week, with more than 60 events spanning four weekends, from June 1–24.
This winter's line up will feature the finest local – and a few national - chefs, winemakers, foodies and other talented types uniting to produce a diverse array of dishes and experiences, in a range of locations across Hawke's Bay.
Events range from $25 to $275 and include everything from cooking demonstrations to dinners in luxury lodges, wine tastings, a battle to determine Hawke's Bay's best toasted sandwich, and truffle hunts.
A major drawcard includes the return of globally acclaimed chef and MasterChef judge, Josh Emett.
He will be teaming up with Terroir by Craggy Range Head Chef Casey McDonald to deliver an evening of wine and local produce at "Fine Wines of New Zealand Dinner" hosted at Craggy Range Winery.
Among many other highlights is the focus on international cuisine, including Japanese Izakaya with Piku at Red Barrel, a Spanish Fiesta at Clearview Estate, Portuguese Roots at St Georges Restaurant, a New Orleans Mardi Gras at The Old Church, One Night in Switzerland at Oak Estate Wines, a Filipino banquet at Philippine Asian Kitchen, and an intriguing Spice War at Bareknuckle BBQ.
Michael Meredith, one of New Zealand's most accomplished chefs, will also be sharing his skills at two events this winter – "Michael Meredith, Cooking Demonstration and Lunch", and "Eat your Lunch with Michael Meredith".
Hawke's Bay Tourism General Manager Annie Dundas said the organisation is thrilled to be organising the sixth winter F.A.W.C!
"Our region has a fine reputation for producing incredible wine and food, and with so many foodie experiences to choose from this Winter F.A.W.C!, Hawke's Bay will certainly be bustling with activity in June."
The programme has been launched online at www.fawc.co.nz, along with programmes inserts in Hawke's Bay Today, the New Zealand Herald, and a number of other North Island publications.
F.A.W.C! database members will have special pre-sale access to buy tickets on Monday 23 April with tickets for the general public available from Tuesday 24 April 2018 at 9am via the F.A.W.C! website www.fawc.co.nz.
F.A.W.C! is organised by Hawke's Bay Tourism and sponsored by Electrolux, New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty, Hawke's Bay BMW, Air New Zealand, Hastings District Council and Napier City Council.