28 May - 27 August
nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents
There are five regional competitions in the 2026 Ormond Nurseries Young Viticulturist of the Year, with Marlborough on 28 May, the North Island regional on 4 June, Hawke's Bay on 11 June, the South Island regional on 18 June, and Central Otago on 2 July. The finalists go through to the National Final in Wairarapa on 26 August, with the Young Viticulturist of the Year announced on 27 August.
Grape Days 2026
16-22 June
nzw.com/grape-days
The 2026 Grape Days events, on in Central Otago on 16 June, Hawke's Bay on 18 June, and Marlborough on 22 June, are a chance to hear high level overviews of wine research, with a practical focus for members.
WinePro
23-25 June
winepro.co.nz
The conference segment of WinePro, on in Blenheim this winter, is designed around themes of The Producer, The Innovator, The Seller, and The Drinker. Organised by Wine Marlborough, the concurrent education sessions will delve into the full cycle of wine production, and will also explore the research and development advancements of other industries. In the tradeshow, WinePro organisers will build on the success of the inaugural event, which drew 100 exhibitors, from cutting edge techniology to fundamental vineyard services and equipment. The wine industry is navigating a period of outside influence, "and how the sector responds matters", says Gary FitzRoy, Managing Director of event organiser Expertise Events. "WinePro is not about dwelling on challenges, but about solutions, energy and fresh thinking."
The National Wine Awards 2026
29 June
nationalwineawards.co.nz
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.
Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year
30 June - 26 August
nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents
The three 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 event in Wairarapa on 25 August, with the winner announced on 27 August.
OWNZ EcoVineyards Tour
21 July - 4 August
organicwinenz.com/events/ecovineyards-tour
Organic Winegrowers New Zealand is bringing Dr Mary Retallack to New Zealand this winter for regional workshops in Hawke's Bay on 21 July, Marlbolrough on 28 July, and Central Otago on 4 August. Each workshop will consist of a morning of theoretical knowledge on functional biodivesity, vineyard and soil health of vineyards, followed by a practical session after lunch. Growers will take home knowledge and tools to allow them to start monitoring and use practices to track biodiversity, vine and soil health within their own vineyards.
Wine Business Forum
27 August
Now in its fourth year, the New Zealand Winegrowers Wine Business Forum has become a key gathering for industry leaders to explore the forces shaping the future of New Zealand wine. The 2026 Forum, to be held at Tākina in Wellington, will examine how people and place underpin New Zealand wine's global advantage while identifying new pathways for growth. Sessions will cover emerging market opportunities, wine tourism, AI-driven marketing, and digital product innovation, plus commentary on the highly uncertain global environment the wine industry operates in. With a strong speaker lineup, the forum will deliver practical insights to help wineries navigate change and capture future opportunities.
Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium
17-18 September
hawkesbaywine.co.nz
This collaborative forum, to be held at Toitoi in Hastings, is a chance for the Aotearoa wine community to assess its currently standing in the world of Chardonnay, and to chart a path forward. 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, says Hawke's Bay Wine Chief Executive Brent Linn. "Together, we will delve into what makes quintessentially great Aotearoa Chardonnay, and explore how we can consistently craft wines that exhibit exceptional quality, texture and balance."
Organic Wine Weekb
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.
Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027
2 - 4 February 2027
sauvignonnz.com
This immersive experience will bring the global wine community together in Wairau, Marlborough, to celebrate what's new and what's next for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. "Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027 is a celebration of collaboration, creativity and the iconic global reputation of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc," says Chair Natalie Christensen. "We're inviting the world to be here and experience the people, places and ideas shaping the future, as we explore the depth and diversity of our Sauvignon Blanc like never before." Expect curated tastings, progressive conversations, breathtaking experiences, and standout culinary movements.
