Ascension wins two national hospitality awards
Ascension Vineyard at Matakana has just been crowned national winner of two categories at the Hospitality Association of
NZ’s
"Awards for Excellence" 2005.
At a glittering black-tie awards dinner at the Rotorua Convention Centre on October 13th, Ascension won both “Best
Hospitality Entertainment Venue”, and “Best beef dish over $18”.
They were also one of three national finalists in the “Best Customer Service” and “Best Marketed restaurant or bar”.
The finalists in each category are chosen annually from over 2200 hospitality businesses that cover NZ, and Ascension
was a finalist and winner in more categories than any other business.
Says owners Darryl & Bridget Soljan, "While the focal point for Ascension is and will be, winemaking, our vision has always been to create a
multi-dimensional wine experience for our visitors. We want wine to play a part in the lives of all our customers, and
by broadening our approch to sharing wine with them we feel this is better achieved. We believe that is what "wine
culture" is all about.
Wine stands proudly centrestage at Ascension, surrounded by food, hospitality, entertainment and art".
“It has been a big year for Ascension, following on from the Environmental Award we received at Parliament earlier in
the year, and we are absolutely thrilled for our team”.
Darryl & Bridget took along twenty of their staff to enjoy the hospitality industry’s biggest night of the year.
“To be a finalist in so many categories is a tribute to their loyalty, hard work and passion for our business. Above
all, they are a fun team, and they definitely showed that on the night. We are very proud of them!”
“We also believe these awards are further positive endorsement of Matakana and Warkworth as a truly world-class wine,
food and leisure region. This is an achievement we want to share with our entire community”.
With a new restaurant lobby being built at Ascension right now, Darryl & Bridget will be making sure there is a bit of extra space on the wall to hang these awards.
Two photos attached -
1. Darryl & Bridget Soljan receiving national award for "Best Hospitality Entertainment Venue" from SKY Business' Business Manager
Mr Grant McKenzie
2. The Ascension Team