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Great Wine Capitals Hawke’s Bay is thrilled to announce Kim Thorp as a Great Wine Capitals ambassador for Hawke’s Bay, as part of the prestigious GWC Global Network Ambassador Programme.
A visionary leader in the region’s food, wine, and tourism industries, Kim will champion Hawke’s Bay’s status as one of the world’s elite wine tourism destinations, promoting its exceptional wines, culinary experiences, and visitor offerings to local and global audiences.
Kim, the driving force behind the iconic Black Barn brand, has transformed Hawke’s Bay’s tourism landscape through an innovative blend of vineyards, dining, and accommodation offerings. As a celebrated advertising creative director and founding partner of Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, he played a pivotal role in creating the original Wine Country brand alongside Sir Graeme Avery and its evolution into the Food and Wine Country.
In 2022, Kim was named the F.A.W.C! Hawke’s Bay Legend for his enduring contributions to elevating the region’s food, wine, and visitor experiences, cementing his reputation as a respected industry champion.
“Kim is a natural fit for this pro bono role given his depth of understanding of the wine and tourism industry in New Zealand,” says Great Wine Capitals Hawke’s Bay president Hamish Saxton.
“His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have not only put Hawke’s Bay on the map as a premium destination but have also inspired generations in the sector. We are delighted to have him as an ambassador to help share the region’s story with the world.”
As a GWC Ambassador, Kim will promote Hawke’s Bay and the GWC network through his extensive local and international networks and industry engagements supporting food, wine, and tourism events to highlight Hawke’s Bay’s world-class offerings.
“Being a Great Wine Capitals Ambassador for Hawke’s Bay is a privilege and a responsibility I’m honoured to take on,” Kim says.
“This role allows me to champion the region’s extraordinary wine, food, and tourism offerings on a global stage, building on decades of work to position Hawke’s Bay as a world-class destination. I look forward to leveraging my networks to showcase our unique story and drive the continued success of Food and Wine Country.”
The GWC Ambassador Programme, initiated in 2016 by Adelaide, invites each member capital to nominate prominent figures with deep ties to the wine and tourism sectors and strong public profiles. Ambassadors leverage their networks to enhance the GWC’s credibility and promote its member regions, fostering greater appreciation and engagement with world-class wine tourism.
Kim’s ambassador role will help amplify the region’s global presence within the GWC network, which includes renowned wine regions like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Mendoza.
Hawke’s Bay, became a Great Wine Capital in 2023, earning its place through a rigorous selection process evaluating its winegrowing industry, history, tourism, education, and business offerings. Thorp’s appointment reinforces the region’s commitment to showcasing its unique soils, diverse varietals, and unparalleled hospitality on the global stage.
For more information about Hawke’s Bay as a Great Wine Capital, visit www.hawkesbaynz.com/great-wine-capital.
