The WIMA Hawkes Bay 2002 Wicked Wine Trail was held in typical sunny Hawkes Bay weather. Here we enjoy the shade at Ngatarawa Wineries while also enjoying a tasting of their fine wines.

Wine Country Hawkes Bay. Says it all really, and it guarantees that every year the WIMA Wicked Wine Trail is going to be a roaring success.

This year's trail included some good old favourites, plus a winery we hadn't yet explored. And to keep every one entertained, we also included a trip to Prenzel's on the Bay.

I put in an order for a fabulous weekend, and was duly rewarded with a day of stunning Hawkes Bay weather. The first of the entrants had arrived on the Friday night so they spent Saturday morning tripping around town. I caught up on the last minute items - putting up the signs, buying alcohol and meat for the barbie - and then sat back and waited for the crowds to arrive.

The CD guys and girls were the first to arrive, complete with a couple of extra's who'd just come along for the ride. The Friday nighter's then reappeared, closely followed by the Wellington chicks! All that remained was for the locals to arrive - how unusual.

Our Area Rep Tania had offered to play bus driver this year, which meant the whole bus was wine trail and motorbike orientated. Loopy had instructed the Wellingtonian's that the event was fancy dress! So while we waited for the last few to arrive, frantic 'dressing-up' was going on.

We got away almost on time most unusual for us, first stop was just down the road at the wholesalers, then it was off to Bridge Pa and Huthlee Estate. There we were greeted by Jan and partook in tasting their delightful wines. As a sign of the times, the wine bottles were fitted with nip pourers... I guess when you are the smallest boutique winery in the Bay, one does have to try and minimise wastage...

Having tasted, purchased, and munched on the table grapes out the back, we were back on the bus and onto our next stop just round the corner at Ngatarawa Winery.

2002 Wicked Wine Trail does attract all sorts! While fancy dress was not essential, it does add to the fun!

This winery is an old favourite. The Wicked Wine Trail has stopped in a couple of times before. When we arrived this time, we were treated to the site of the On Your Bike Wine Tours relaxing outside! Now it may be flat in the Hawkes Bay, but after a few wineries I don't fancy my chances at riding a bicycle in a straight line!

Our tasting was conducted outside under the shade of one of the many trees. A fine place to enjoy fine wine of a fine summers day... Loopy and Sarah were taking advantage of the lily pond to dip their feet into as well.

With our purchases made we were off again. Next stop on the itinerary was Brewsters Ale House where you can not only sample Roosters Beer which is brewed on site, but you can also buy Beach House Wine, not to mention indulge in some truly decadent Chocolate Cake...

'Twas a hard road to round up everyone after that stop, but eventually they all made it onto the bus, and we were back on the road again. Next stop was the one and only Prenzels on the Bay. We first sampled their delights last year, and when it came to organising this year's tour well - we just had to go back to them!

And they didn't let us down either! But then with their range of Schnapps, Creams, Spirits and all how could they! Even their olive oils are to die for. And, strange but true, but the most amount of money was spent in this shop. And what's more, we conned them into taking our group photo! And when you saw the number of camera's she was handed...

After that it was back to Te Awanga to relax with a drink or two while the cook's handled the barbecue. Well almost. We couldn't go past the pub without stopping... I mean. It wouldn't be cricket!

All in all it was an AWESOME day. My thanks to Tania for playing bus driver - you did it well. And of course my thanks to all who turned up for the event - without you guys there wouldn't be a wine trail, nor would there be the sore heads the day after!!

The Y Machine