Sileni Estates crowned best Cellar Door

Sileni Estates crowned best Cellar Door

Sileni Estates cellar door team have claimed their fourth Cellar Door of the Year title, an award which recognises the winery for providing the best visitor experience.

The Cellar Door of the Year competition is run annually, as part of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards. The team accepted the accolade at an awards dinner last night in Hastings. It topped off an impressive evening for Sileni, also taking home the Trophy for ‘Champion Pinot Noir’ for their 2014 Exceptional Vintage Pinot Noir.

“I’m delighted with the results last night. I’m an unashamed localist, proud of what we have to offer here in the Hawke’s Bay. We pride ourselves on providing an outstanding experience for visitors to our cellar door and this success demonstrates that we’re achieving that. Equally, we have a real focus on producing quality Pinot Noir appreciated for its food friendly style. We believe Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir is one of our region’s best kept secrets,” says CEO and President Sir Graeme Avery.

The Sileni cellar door team were tested on their wine skills, presentation, customer service and their knowledge of the region. A shortlist of the top Hawke’s Bay cellar doors was collated by mystery shoppers. Six finalists then competed for a public vote, with a pop up cellar door at the Hawke’s Bay farmers market.

“We’re utterly thrilled with the win. We have a great team here at our cellar door and everyone loves their job. When you love your product and you love what you do, you can’t help but provide a great experience,” says Sileni Cellar Door Manager Anne Boustead.

The award has been sponsored by Hawke’s Bay House of Travel since it began 15 years ago.

“Anne and her team are fantastic ambassadors for Hawke’s Bay, they not only showcase Sileni but the entire region, and we value their contribution to local tourism. After being involved with the awards for many years I fully understand how rigorous the judging process is, Anne and her team scored 100% in the mystery shop, which is a remarkable achievement,” says Jenny Nilsson, owner of Hawke’s Bay House of Travel.

The Sileni cellar door team previously claimed the title in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

ENDS

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