Wines, wheels great blend

UK Master of Wine UK Master of Wine Tim Atkin says the two-day showcase, Hawke's Bay, Our World in Your Glass, was "very relaxed, focused and innovative".

He was one of 21 international wine authorities hosted by Hawke's Bay winemakers as they made their way to the triennial pinot noir conference being held in Wellington this week.

"It was a new way of looking at a region, mixing with the winemakers was fun but educational," he said.

"It was nicely hands on."

The itinerary that saw the wine gurus bike through Hawke's Bay wine country and experience a Kiwi breakfast of Weet-Bix and toast with Marmite.

A part of the 12-event itinerary was a debate between local winemakers on merits of syrah and Bay blends with Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule adjudicating.

Lyn Bevin, Hawke's Bay Winegrowers executive director, said the programme was light-hearted yet showcased the region's strengths.

"The publicity we expect our guests to generate in their wine columns, blogs and educational sessions in their home markets, will be invaluable."