PHOTO: Craggy Range Winery
Craggy Range Winery has been crowned the global winner for the Hawke’s Bay region in the prestigious 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. This accolade, part of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, recognizes exceptional wine tourism experiences on an international scale. It showcases Craggy Range’s commitment to excellence and elevates New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region, Hawke’s Bay, to the ranks of renowned wine regions like Bordeaux (France), Bilbao-Rioja (Spain), and San Francisco-Napa Valley (USA).
The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation, sustainability, and outstanding wine tourism experiences across 12 of the world’s leading wine regions. Since joining this esteemed group in 2023, Hawke’s Bay has been steadily enhancing its global reputation. Craggy Range’s recognition at the international level underscores the region’s emerging status as a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.
David Peabody, Global Brand Ambassador and Domestic Business Manager at Craggy Range, expressed his gratitude for the honor: “We are deeply humbled to be named the global winner of the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. Since our inception, Craggy Range has aspired to be alongside the world’s great estates, and accolades like this affirm that we are on the right path. We are also thrilled that this award will highlight our beautiful region of Hawke’s Bay and the outstanding tourism operators who farm, live, and work here. A heartfelt thank you goes to our incredible team, who continue to set the standard for excellence at Craggy Range. Congratulations to all the deserving winners in this year’s awards.”
Craggy Range Giants Winery / Supplied
Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, emphasized the region’s growing prominence: “Joining the Great Wine Capitals Global Network has been an incredible journey for Hawke’s Bay, and this year’s awards represent a significant milestone. It’s a privilege to have our wine tourism recognized on a global platform. Opening the awards to our local wineries has sparked innovation and a commitment to excellence within our industry, and we are excited to be part of such a prestigious network.”
Craggy Range now joins an elite group of global winners, further solidifying Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as a prime destination for wine enthusiasts.
The 2025 Global Winners Include:
- Adelaide, South Australia – Dandelion Vineyards
- Bilbao | Rioja, Spain – Bodegas Bilbaínas
- Bordeaux, France – Maison Rémy Martin
- Cape Town | Cape Winelands, South Africa – Delaire Graff Estate
- Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand – Craggy Range Winery
- Lausanne, Switzerland – Le Agriespenrienze
- Mainz | Rheinhessen, Germany – Weingut Manz
- Mendoza, Argentina – Bodega Trapiche Estanción 83
- Porto, Portugal – Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
- San Francisco | Napa Valley, United States – Napa Valley Wine Train
- Valparaíso | Casablanca Valley, Chile – Kingston Family Vineyards
- Verona, Italy – Ottella
The esteemed panel of global wine industry judges has cast their votes, and now it’s time for the public to select their favorite properties in the People’s Choice Awards. Voting will be open from November 4 to 18, featuring both Global and Regional winners. Visit Great Wine Capitals to cast your vote starting November 4.
In September, Hawke’s Bay Tourism hosted the inaugural Best Of Wine Tourism Awards for the region, recognizing four businesses for their outstanding contributions across six categories. The winners in each category included:
- Accommodation: Black Barn Retreats
- Architecture and Landscape: Craggy Range Giants Winery
- Art and Culture: Black Barn Retreats
- Culinary Experiences: Craggy Range Restaurant
- Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: Smith & Sheth Heretaunga Wine Studio
- Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Church Rd