Porters Boutique Hotel, the 2026 Best of Wine Tourism Accommodation award winner, may be set within an urban environment, but it operates as a natural gateway to the wine experiences that define Hawke’s Bay. Offering the best of both worlds, the hotel isn’t tied to any single winery; instead, it’s seamlessly connected to many. Its prime position in the heart of lively Havelock North Village means guests can step straight outside and into experiences that offer insight into — and generous tastes of — the region’s rich and diverse wine story.
The judges were impressed with the way the hotel collaborates with local businesses, both in the village and beyond. Rather than providing dining onsite, the hotel partners with operators in the village which helps foster a thriving hospitality scene. Guests can walk from the hotel reception straight into Malo for lunch or dinner, where the regional food and wine country story is told on the plate and in the glass, with menus driven by regional produce and wines thoughtfully selected to showcase the area’s depth and character. A short stroll takes guests to Maina Cafe to breakfast with the locals.
On the hotel’s very doorstep sits Smith & Sheth, two times winner of the Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences award. Here, guests can choose between an immersive, guided tasting in the purpose-built wine studio or a more relaxed visit to the urban cellar door.
For guests keen to explore further afield, Porters has invested years in building strong relationships with trusted local operators who chaperone visitors through the wider wine country. These partnerships include tours with Hawke’s Bay Experiences, another Best Of Wine Tourism award winner, and bike tour or hire companies, ensuring access to curated vineyard visits, behind-the-scenes encounters and memorable, expertly guided days among the vines.
Back at the hotel, Porters’ rooms, corridors and meeting spaces are notably spacious and tastefully styled, creating a welcoming home-away-from-home feel. Practical touches elevate the stay, including secure, covered parking beneath the hotel with Tesla charging facilities — a thoughtful detail for guests arriving after a long road journey or touring the region.
Judges were impressed not only by the quality of the guest experience, but also by Porters’ strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Its ongoing dedication to promoting Hawke’s Bay as a Great Wine Capital of the world further reinforces the hotel’s role as both host and ambassador for this celebrated wine region