Wine Tourism Winner 2026
Porters Boutique Hotel Wins Wine Accommodation Award
Award-winning Wine Tourism and Premium Accommodation in Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals continues to grow. The 2026 Wine Tourism Awards shine a spotlight on the experiences that make our region distinct; and worth travelling for.
The 2026 Wine Tourism Awards, hosted by Hawke’s Bay Tourism in partnership with Great Wine Capitals, were held on 26 August at Foodeast. These awards celebrate local excellence across six categories, acknowledging
the people and places delivering world-class wine experiences.
We’re proud to share that Porters Boutique Hotel was named this year’s winner for Wine Tourism Accommodation.
The 2026 Wine Tourism Awards, hosted by Hawke’s Bay Tourism in partnership with Great Wine Capitals, were held on 26 August at Foodeast. These awards celebrate local excellence across six categories, acknowledging
the people and places delivering world-class wine experiences.
As the 2026 Hawke’s Bay Accommodation category winner, , Porters Boutique Hotel will now go forward to compete for a global Best Of Wine Tourism award, judged by an international panel, to be announced at the Great Wine Capitals Gala dinner in Bordeaux, France this November.
Celebrating our 2026 Hawke’s Bay Wine Tourism Winners
Craggy Range Giants Winery – Architecture & Landscape
Known for its striking design and backdrop beneath Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range was acknowledged for its ability to harmonise architecture with the natural landscape. The Giants Winery tasting room, opened in 2023, is a striking addition to an already iconic site, offering guests an unparalleled tasting experience in a setting that remains grounded in place.
Black Barn Vineyards – Art & Culture
A longtime champion of arts in Hawke’s Bay, Black Barn was recognised for its seasonal growers’ market, concert series, and exhibitions, as well as its commitment to design and cultural programming year-round. Few venues balance art and agriculture so effortlessly.
Wallingford Homestead – Culinary Experiences
With just six tables per service, at Wallingford Homestead you’ll enjoy an elegant, small-scale dining experience that’s deeply connected to the local land and producers. Guests can expect warm hospitality, elegant plating, and a relaxed pace that reflects the region itself. The award recognises Wallingford’s role in redefining Hawke’s Bay’s culinary destination status.
Smith & Sheth – Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences
The Heretaunga Wine Studio at Smith & Sheth, located next door to Porters Boutique Hotel in the heart of Havelock North, sets the bar for immersive storytelling, with experiences that invite guests to connect deeply with the people, places and philosophies behind each wine. This year’s award celebrates Smith & Sheth’s contemporary approach to engagement: innovative, thoughtful, and anything but traditional.
Hawke’s Bay Experiences – Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
As a small tour operator with a big impact, Hawke’s Bay Experiences has built its offering on responsible, low-impact travel. Guests are encouraged to slow down, meet the makers, and experience the region through an authentic, locally led lens.
Church Road Winery – Wine Tourism Services
A consistent performer in both experience and quality, Church Road was recognised for its long history of delivering exceptional service. Their guided tours, tastings and hospitality events are designed to give guests a true sense of the brand’s depth, passion and place in Hawke’s Bay’s wine heritage.
These awards are more than a celebration; they’re a reflection of the strength and maturity of Hawke’s Bay’s wine tourism offering. With a focus on authenticity, connection, and generosity, the region continues to shape a visitor experience that’s deeply local and globally competitive.
Porters Boutique Hotel is at the heart of these experiences, embodying the refined standard guests expect when they visit.
We’re honoured to be recognised by judge Anna Nielson for “setting a benchmark in quality accommodation and building seamless partnerships that connect our hotel to the wider Hawke’s Bay wine experience”. From hand-selected local artwork to partnerships with cellar doors and nearby eateries, we’ve taken care to create a stay that feels as considered as the wine our guests come to enjoy.
Kris Larner, our General Manager, says:
“Our team takes great pride in providing guests with premium service and exceptional facilities that exceed expectations. We’ve created a calm, elegant environment that is both comfortable and deeply connected to the region. The partnerships we’ve developed play a vital role in enriching the overall guest experience. We want our guests to leave with fond memories and a deeper appreciation of what makes Hawke’s Bay such a truly special place to visit.”
It’s a privilege to be seen not just as a place to stay, but as part of the wider experience of visiting wine country. If you’re looking for Hawke’s Bay accommodation that’s refined, central and quietly welcoming – we’d love to host you.
Plan Your Luxury Accommodation in Hawke’s Bay
If you’re planning a wine-focused escape to the region, Porters Boutique Hotel offers the ideal base. Our Havelock North location places you within easy reach of many of this year’s winning destinations; with premium accommodation, thoughtful service, and plenty of local knowledge to share.