Philip Gregan Named 2026 NZ Winegrowers Fellow
For the past 35 years, Philip Gregan has helped select New Zealand Winegrowers Fellows, working with the board to choose a cohort of extraordinary industry champions.
The award acknowledges Philip’s leadership and influence over more than four decades, during which New Zealand has earned a global reputation for distinctive, premium and sustainable wines.
Philip, who leaves NZW at the end of June, says the recognition is deeply meaningful, particularly given the role the United Kingdom has played throughout his career.
“The UK has been an incredibly important part of my own wine journey. It’s a market that has backed New Zealand from early on and has helped shape how we present ourselves to the world.”
The award reflects the collective efforts of the wider New Zealand wine community, he says.
“This recognition belongs just as much to the people I’ve worked alongside over the past 30 to 40 years. This includes our NZW team, grape growers and wineries, as well as the importers, distributors, on premise, retailers and media in the UK who have championed New Zealand wine.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals who have made an enduring impact on the international wine and spirits sector.
“While it’s an honour to be recognised personally, this really reflects what we’ve achieved together as an industry,” Philip says. “New Zealand wine has always been a team effort.”
