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Sydney-based sommelier Miroslava “Mimi” Mrazikova has been named the first recipient of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Ambassadorship, a new initiative designed to strengthen links between the Hawke’s Bay wine industry and the Australian trade.
The programme has been developed by Hawke’s Bay Wine in partnership with Sommeliers Australia to build long-term advocacy for the region’s wines among Australian wine professionals.
Competitive selection process
Mimi was selected following a trade activation hosted by Hawke’s Bay Wine in Melbourne in May, which included regional masterclasses and a producer-led tasting attended by sommeliers, buyers and hospitality professionals.
Currently working as a sommelier in Sydney, Mimi has more than eight years’ hospitality experience and more than three years specialising in wine.
Hawke’s Bay Wine representative Amy Hopkinson-Styles, of Halcyon Wines, says Mimi stood out during the selection process.
“Mimi demonstrated a genuine curiosity about Hawke’s Bay, a strong commitment to wine education and a clear vision for sharing our regional story with Australian audiences.
“Her appreciation for the diversity of Hawke’s Bay, from benchmark Chardonnay and red blends through to emerging varieties such as Albariño and Chenin Blanc, aligned strongly with the goals of the programme.”
Building awareness in Australia
Mimi says the opportunity provided a deeper understanding of the region and its wines.
“Having attended the Hawke’s Bay trade tasting and masterclasses in Melbourne, I gained a much deeper appreciation for the region’s wines, people and sense of place.
“I’m honoured to have been selected as the inaugural Ambassador and look forward to sharing the Hawke’s Bay story with Australian wine professionals and consumers.”
Hawke’s Bay visit planned
As part of the ambassadorship, Mimi will travel to Hawke’s Bay in September for a hosted programme that includes attendance at the Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium, winery visits, vineyard tours and meetings with producers from across the region.
Following the visit, she will continue in her ambassadorial role by sharing her experiences through trade and digital channels and hosting a Hawke’s Bay Wine educational tasting in Australia.
Strengthening trade connections
The Hawke’s Bay Wine Ambassadorship is intended to strengthen relationships with the Australian wine trade and raise awareness of Hawke’s Bay as a premium wine destination.
The initiative comes as Hawke’s Bay continues to grow its profile internationally, with Chardonnay, Bordeaux-style red blends and emerging varieties playing an increasingly important role in the region’s export and tourism offering.
