Black Barn is renowned for its concerts in ‘New Zealand’s finest intimate outdoor venue for live performances’. They are also contributing strongly to supporting artists, writers and growers to flourish and share their work with visitors and the community.
Picturesque concert setting
With a 2000-seat amphitheatre in the heart of the vineyard planned for before vines were even planted; creating a space for the community was truly built into Black Barn, and the amphitheatre has been hosting top acts from around New Zealand and the globe for over 20 years now. A dozen grassed terraces wide enough to accommodate picnic blankets offer clear sightlines of the stage and the extensive views across vineyards beyond. The terraces and surrounding wall of muscatel grapes can also be lit up with fairy lights for events, creating a warm, welcoming, festive atmosphere. Add terrific acoustics and efficient and friendly local businesses on food, drink, sound and security, and you have arguably the best outdoor venue in the country.
Arts aficionados
Judges were impressed that Black Barn’s commitment to the Arts continues to grow. Black Barn works with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) for an intimate performance over dinner at its bistro and hosts a number of other music and comedy acts over a winter series. The winery also works with the Hawke’s Bay Readers and Writers Trust to offer the Rush Cottage Writers’ Residency, providing its historic stone Rush Cottage in the heart of the vineyard free of charge to a successful applicant annually.
It has recently begun providing its Olive Shed space to Assisting Regional Artists (ARA), a charitable trust, as an exhibition and events space and the Cabana room and retreats also showcases art for sale from various local artists and photographers. The Summer Growers Market hosted onsite by Black Barn also shows their dedication to supporting the artisan growers in the region who make up the fabric of the Hawke’s Bay community