Smith & Sheth named among world's best wine tourism experiences
Hawke’s Bay wine producer Smith & Sheth’s tasting room and studio was awarded two awards of excellence at the inaugural Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards last night, taking home the Innovative Wine Tourism Experience and Wine Tourism Services trophies in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the global wine tourism landscape.
It will now represent Hawke’s Bay at the Best of Wine Tourism international awards, where one outstanding entry will be recognised as a global winner by an international panel of judges, including representatives from each Great Wine Capital in Verona, Italy this October.
Judge and food, wine and travel writer Anna King Shahab described Smith & Sheth as “a master touch in crafting a wide range of experiences suited to all wine lovers. Its Oenothèque offers an array of opportunities to enjoy and learn about wine, from themed workshops to casual evenings in the wine lounge listening to live music. Experiences at Smith & Sheth are delivered to a high standard by professional and knowledgeable experts, in an inclusive way.”
Fellow judge and General Manager of Destination Wairarapa Anna Nielson, was “inspired”, adding the Smith & Sheth Heretaunga Studio was “a truly innovative experience that uniquely solves the problem of understanding the terroir of the land from which the grapes are grown, the people who have lovingly produced the wine, and how that combines to create what you taste in the glass – without actually being at that place.”
Tucked in the courtyard behind Porters Boutique Hotel in Havelock North, the Smith & Sheth Oenothèque and Heretaunga Wine Studio opened in 2019, offering unique experiences showcasing wines from Smith & Sheth, Pyramid Valley and Lowburn Ferry. In 2022 it was awarded the Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards Cellar Door of the Year.
Steve Smith MW, co-founder of Smith & Sheth reflected, "These awards are a significant milestone for us, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and innovation in our wine experiences. I am immensely proud of what our team has achieved and grateful for the recognition from the Great Wine Capitals, firmly cementing Hawke’s Bay as a serious wine tourism destination in the world’s eyes. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional experiences that celebrate the best of our region's wine culture."
Oenothèque Manager Sean Burns shared Smith’s sentiment, “Winning these awards is a testament to our team's passion for delivering unique and memorable wine experiences. We love creating a space where guests can explore, discover, and connect with the stories behind each wine, all within a setting that celebrates our fine wine credentials. It’s incredibly rewarding to see these efforts recognised, and we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what wine tourism can be."
