The Great Wine Capitals Network and What It Means for Hawke’s Bay
When we think about wine, we often start with place. Grapes carry the imprint of soil, climate and culture in every bottle, and sometimes that sense of place extends beyond a vineyard to encompass whole landscapes and historic traditions. The Great Wine Capitals Global Network was born from this idea. Established in Bordeaux, France in 1999, the Network brings together the world’s most esteemed wine cities and their surrounding regions to share knowledge, foster innovation in tourism and celebrate the cultural power of wine on a global scale. It is unique in uniting both the ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ of wine under a single banner of excellence, collaboration and shared passion.
At its core, the Great Wine Capitals Network is about connection – between regions, between wine professionals, and between the stories that each landscape tells. Members span the globe from Adelaide in South Australia and Bilbao-Rioja in Spain, to Mainz | Rheinhessen in Germany, San Francisco | Napa Valley in the United States, and Porto in Portugal, among others. Each member city is linked to an internationally recognised wine region that contributes something distinctive to the world’s wine heritage, whether that be centuries-old tradition or cutting-edge innovation in wine tourism and culture.
For us at Te Mata Estate, Hawke’s Bay’s recent induction into the Great Wine Capitals Network is a source of immense pride. As a 100 per cent Hawke’s Bay estate, with all our wines grown and made on site, the ethos of the Network resonates deeply – not just because of where our wines come from, but because of what they carry with them: a sense of place, a sense of community, and a shared commitment to excellence. Being part of this distinguished group means that our region stands alongside some of the most respected wine landscapes in the world, and it opens doors for exchange, learning and collaboration that benefit both our local community and visitors from afar.
In January 2026, a Great Wine Capitals signpost was installed in Havelock North, listing all the member cities and celebrating Hawke’s Bay’s place in this global family. These signposts have been established in each of the host cities for the annual conferences over the years, marking where wine worlds have convened and stories have been shared. This year’s annual conference – the next chapter in a tradition of connection – will be held right here in Hawke’s Bay, drawing delegates and industry leaders from across the Network. It’s a symbolic moment for our region and for all of Aotearoa’s wine communities, showing that New Zealand’s wines belong in conversations about terroir, culture and tourism at the highest level.
People often ask what tangible benefits come from being part of something like the Great Wine Capitals Network. The answer lies in opportunity. Members participate in global symposiums and workshops on tourism, education and business development. They share best practices on sustainability and visitor experience, and they compete for recognition through initiatives like the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, which celebrate innovation in architecture, culture, sustainability and more. These programs help regions refine their offerings and shine for both domestic and international visitors. For wine lovers, that means richer experiences, deeper stories and more meaningful ways to explore wine regions around the world.
At Te Mata Estate, we’ve always believed that wine is a bridge between people and places. From the first vines planted on the slopes of Te Mata Peak to our barrel rooms and cellar door, our work is shaped by the land beneath our feet and the conversations we share over a glass. Being part of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network connects us to a broader narrative – one that values regional identity, celebrates cultural exchange and champions the role that wine plays in shaping how we see the world. It’s a privilege to be part of this story, and an exciting moment to welcome the world to Hawke’s Bay for the next annual conference.
