15 October
nzsvo.org.nz/technical-workshops
The theme of the New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology' 2024 technical workshop is 'Keeping it Fresh', with sessions on technology and trials, wine trends, unique perspective, packaging innovations and consumer-facing strategies. Themed tastings will be held throughout the event, at Lansdowne Hub in Blenheim.
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Photo Credit: Richard Briggs |
Marlborough Wine Show
18 October
marlboroughwineshow.com
The Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect, evaluates Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in subclasses of Marlborough's three main subregion, giving it a unique perspective. "So many wines speak strongly of their place and it's great to highlight this," says Chief Judge Stu Marfell. With the 2024 vintage "a standout" he's looking forward to tasting the Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic varieties in this year's show. "They will be pretty special wines." The Legacy class will be another chance for wineries to shine, Stu adds. "There is a lot of focus on the latest and greatest wines, but in the Legacy we get a chance to look at longevity and consistency in winemaking, and to really show how we are creating some truly world class wines right here in Marlborough." Trophy winners will be announced at the Marlborough Wine Show Celebration Long Lunch on Friday 18 October, where the Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will also be announced.
New Zealand International Wine Show
18 October
nzlws.co.nz
The 2024 New Zealand International Wine Show marks 20 years of the competition. Chief Judge Bob Campbell MW will be supported by Assistant Chief Judges Larry McKenna, John Hancock and Tony Bish, along with a senior judging team that includes a number of leading winemakers and key industry personnel. The awards function is in Auckland on 18 October.
Research Snapshots
21 October
This dynamic series of research presentations from organisations within the New Zealand Wine Centre - Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Plant & Food Research and Bragato Research Institute - is designed to provide quick and insightful snapshots of key findings, methodologies, and potential implications of research being undertaken by the wine centre's research community. Each 90-minute session if dedicated to a specific theme. Sessions remaining for 2024 are 21 October and 25 November. Contact Stewart Field (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to be put on the mailing list.
First Light Festival
27 October
firstlightwineandfood.co.nz
The Gisborne Wine & Food Festival features two beautiful locations to visit - TW Wines and Matawhero Wines. Both venues will host a selection of great food and beautiful wines that reflect the incredible flavours of the Gisborne terroir. Each venue has bands playing throughout the day and tickets include a complimentary bus service.
Wai Wine Weekend
November 2
Waiheke Island and the Wairarapa region are joining forces for an exceptional wine experience, tasting, swirling and savouring wines from both wine regions at renowned cellar doors across Waiheke. Although each region contributes only 1% of the country's total wine production, their contrasting climates offer a diverse array of varieties to sample.
National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand
3 November
nationalwineawards.co.nz
The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand seek to identify, celebrate and elevate excellence in New Zealand wine. Initial results will be released 11 October, with the Awards of Excellence Long Luncheon on 3 November.
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Harvest Hawke's Bay Festival
23 November
harvesthawkesbay.com
Enjoy 18 local wineries, nine fabulous restaurants, and live music in a beautiful rural setting on Tuki Tuki Road. Tickets are strictly limited so get in early to be part of a picture-perfect day out.
Toast Martinborough
19 January 2025
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toastmartinborough.co.nz
Along with a shift to a summer date, Toast Martinborough 2025 boasts new festival hours, from 11am to 7pm, allowing for a lingering evening on Wellington’s long anniversary weekend. The 2.5km stretch of road between The Runholder and Ata Rangi will be closed to traffic as Festival Road, with a five to ten-minute walk between each festival site, along with transport options. The Toast experience celebrates so many aspects of what the region excels at, says Destination Wairarapa Chief Executive Anna Nielson. “And is one which visitors very much look forward to.”
Southern Pinot Noir Workshop
23-25 January 2025
Rob Walters and his viticulturist Remi Jacquemain, from Place of Changing Winds in Australia’s Macedon Ranges, are guest speakers at the 2025 Pinot Noir Workshop in Hanmer Springs. Topics include high density planting, canopy management, Poussard pruning, marketing potential, and how to improve the image and sales of New Zealand Pinot Noir domestically and abroad. The workshop is three days rather than the usual four, with the content condensed to fit a tighter timeframe.
pinotworkshop.com
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
8 February 2025
Marlborough’s iconic Wine & Food Festival will be back at Renwick Domain in February, with dozens of award-winning wine companies, an array of alfresco dining experiences, and a lineup of dance-inducing entertainment. The event will include The Lounge and VIP Retreat, as well as sure-tosell- out Masterclasses.
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Pyramid Valley Pinot Noir. Photo Credit: Richard Brimer |
Pinot Noir NZ 2025
11-13 February 2025
pinotnz.co.nz
Australian film director and author Damon Gameau is one of the speakers at Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025, a three-day gathering of global wine lovers in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Famous for his documentaries ‘That Sugar Film’ and ‘2040’, which reflect on our interconnectedness with nature, Damon will discuss the regenerative actions for a better future for our industry and our place. Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 will include “amazing” speakers, along with influential trade and media from key export markets, says committee Chair Michael Henley MW. “For anyone engaged in the global wine scene, it is an opportunity not to be missed.” Read more on page 13 and find the full speaker programme at pinotnz.co.nz.
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North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival
9 March 2025
ncwineandfood.co.nz
Thousands of food and wine lovers will gather at Glenmark Domain to celebrate the harvest in style at the 2025 North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival. Find pockets of entertainment under the oaks, immerse yourselves in conversations with other lovers of local produce, and fall in love with everything North Canterbury has to offer.
Save the Date - ICCWS
iccws2026.nz
25-28 January 2026
The 11th International Cool Climate Wine Symposium will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in January 2026, offering tastings and insights from cool climate regions, both within New Zealand and around the world. “This is a globally significant event not to be missed,” says NZSVO President Jeff Sinnott. “Particularly for those practicing, researching and studying cool climate viticulture and winemaking.”
