WinePro 2026 to Spotlight Innovation and Industry Collaboration
Robust discussions with other suppliers and wine industry clients are especially important during tougher times, says a sales agent for Hydralada.
16-22 June
The Grape Days events, on in Central Otago on 16 June, Hawke's Bay on 18 June, and Marlborough on 22 June, include sessions on growing productivity and informed decision making in vineyards, and update on the Next Generation Viticulture Programme and powdery mildew fungicide resistance, as well as a session on whether the big crops of 2025 caused a "yield hangover". The 2026 Grape Days events also include a segment on the use of Generative AI as a vineyard tool, including insights from DairyNZ.
Braden Crosby, Bragato Research Institute Knowledge Transfer and Engagement Lead, says a wine industry panel will also explore current practice and use cases for GenAI in vineyards. "We are looking to learn from other primary industries to understand the opportunities that may be created by implementing differing practices into your business model."
WinePro
29 June
Entries open for New Zealand's only national wine awards on 29 June and close on 21 August, with judging from 22-24 September. Jane Cooper returns as Chair of Judges, tasked with identifying and celebrating the very best wines in the country.
OWNZ EcoVineyards Tour
21 July - 4 August
organicwinenz.com/ecovineyards-tour
Dr Mary Retallack will visit Hawke's Bay on 21 July, Marlborough on 28 July, and Central Otago on 4 August for the Organic Winegrowers New Zealand EcoVineyards tour, intended to help grape growers track and improve biodiversity, vine and soil health within their own vineyards.
Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year
25 August
nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents
The regional finals for the 2026 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year will be held in Central Otago on 30 June and Marlborough on 15 July, with the North Island regional competition on 23 July. The finalists will go to the national competition in Wairarapa on 25 August, with the winner announced on 27 August. Entry forms available at https://www.nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents.
Ormond Nurseries Young Viticulturist of the Year
26 August
https://www.nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents
Finalists from five regional Young Viticulturist of the Year competitions will go through to the 2026 Ormond Nurseries Young Viticulturist of the Year National Final in Wairarapa on 26 August, with the winner announced on 27 August. The Marlborough regional competition was on 28 May, to be followed by the North Island regional event on 4 June, Hawke's Bay on 11 June, the South Island regional on 18 June, and Central Otago on 2 July.
NZW 2026 Wine Business Forum
27 August
https://www.nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/nzw26/wbf26/
The NZW 2026 Wine Business Forum, Winning in Changing Markets, will focus on where the next phase of growth will come from for New Zealand wine. The line up of international and local speakers include India’s only Master of Wine, Sonal Holland; Wine Business Monthly Managing Editor, Erin Kirschenmann, from the United States; Treasury Wine Estates VP Digital Experience Justin Noland; and Brodie Reid, Tourism New Zealand General Manager Marketing.
This year’s programme will centre on understanding the wine industry’s continually changing operating environment, where growth opportunities lie in emerging markets, the potential of digital, data and AI, and how wine tourism can play a valuable role in driving industry growth. The event, to be held at Te Papa in Wellington, is a key gathering for industry decision makers and will deliver practical, commercial insights, along with valuable peer to peer connection.
NZW 2026 Celebration Dinner
27 August
https://www.nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/nzw26
Celebrate the people who make New Zealand’s wine industry great, by raising a glass to your industry peers, the NZW Fellows 2026, and the winners of the 2026 Ormond Nurseries Young Viticulturist of the Year and the 2026 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year Competitions. This year’s Celebration Dinner will be held at Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, after the NZW 2026 Wine Business Forum.
Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium
17-18 September
The theme of the 2026 symposium is quality, focusing on the unique features that define New Zealand's whenua, climate, and philosophy, and how these elements come together to enable the production of premium Chardonnay.
Organic Wine Week
21-27 September 2026
organicwinenz.com/organicwineweek
Organic Wine Week is the perfect time to swirl, smell and sip the stunning array of organic wine from Aotearoa. Featuring pop-up tastings, wine list takeovers, winemaker dinners, retail promotions and more, the week opens a window into the vibrant world of organic wine.
Harvest Hawke's Bay 2026
21 November 2026
Find a selection of Hawke's Bay's wineries and eateries at a spectacular riverside setting on Tuki Tuki Rd, with some of the region's finest wines matched with food created by award-winning local chefs.
SauvignonNZ27
2-4 February 2027
Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027 is a celebration of collaboration, creativity and the iconic global reputation of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. "It's going to be epic," says committee Member Murray Cook, talking of the chance to see "wonderful communicators, writers, sommeliers, buyers and wine lovers back in one magic location, to mingle and enjoy three packed days of deep diving into Sauvignon, eating great food and having fun".
Organic Conference 2027
1-3 June 2027
Central Otago will host the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference from 1-3 June 2027, drawing passionate researchers, practitioners and experts, from Aotearoa and beyond.
