Church Road wins at International Best of Wine Tourism Awards

Church Road Winery has been named the global winner representing Hawke’s Bay in the 2026 International Best of Wine Tourism Awards.

It follows its recognition in August as one of seven Hawke’s Bay businesses that had made an outstanding contribution to the wine tourism industry.

The latest award, presented by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, recognises Church Road’s world-class visitor experience, innovation, and commitment to sustainability and sees it join 10 other businesses from the world’s most renowned wine regions. Hawke’s Bay joined the Great Wine Capitals collective in 2023.

The international judging panel, comprising representatives from each of the Great Wine Capitals, evaluated five key criteria: quality of services and facilities; originality and innovation; customer service and hospitality; commitment to sustainability and global wine tourism; and the ability to effectively communicate and promote the award.

Church Road Winery excelled across every category, earning recognition for its exceptional visitor experience and international-standard service, its proactive collaboration with local and international tour operators, and its deep commitment to sustainability and continuous innovation. The winery’s focus on lifting the wider tourism industry and sharing best practice with peers further demonstrated its leadership within Hawke’s Bay’s tourism community.

The 2026 global winners include:

·       Adelaide, South Australia – Maxwell Wines

·       Bilbao | Rioja, Spain – Bodegas Faustino Legacy

·       Bordeaux, France – La Maison Cardinale

·       Hawke's Bay, New Zealand – Church Road Winery

·       Lausanne, Switzerland – Domaine du Mont d’Or

·       Mainz | Rheinhessen, Germany – Völker Restaurant & Events

·       Mendoza, Argentina – Viña Doña Paula

·       Porto, Portugal – Ventozelo Hotel&Quinta

·       San Francisco | Napa Valley, United States – Sterling Vineyards

·       Valparaíso | Casablanca Valley, Chile – BOTÁNICO by Casas del Bosque

·       Verona, Italy – Rambaldi Apartments

“We’re so proud to be recognised in this year’s International Best of Wine Tourism Awards,” said Brent Pilcher, Precinct Manager at Church Road Winery. “Church Road has always been about more than wine – it’s about sharing the history and spirit of Hawke’s Bay with every visitor who walks through our doors. This recognition is a wonderful reflection of our team’s passion and the region we’re so proud to call home.”

Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive of Hawke’s Bay Tourism and President of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (Hawke’s Bay), said the award underscored the region’s growing influence on the world stage. “Church Road’s achievement highlights why Hawke’s Bay continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s leading wine destinations. Their excellence in service, design, and sustainability not only enhances their own reputation but elevates the profile of our entire region.”

Hawke’s Bay will host the Great Wine Capitals Annual conference in 2026, which is expected to attract up to 80 international delegates from across the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, with national and local attendees boosting numbers to more than 200 at key events.

Planning is already well underway for the five-day programme, led by a working group representing Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Hawke’s Bay Airport Ltd.