Altogether Unique

One of our key priorities is Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027, with significant work already underway to engage influential media, trade and content creators who can amplify New Zealand's global Sauvignon Blanc leadership story. Deepening market insights is also a strong focus and in the year ahead we will offer more data from our North American markets, as well as emerging markets such as South Korea and China. In addition to our website resources and webinar, our fourth NZW Wine Business Forum, themed Winning in Changing Markets, is just around the corner, with an impressive list of both international and New Zealand-based speakers. The annual forum provides an excellent single-day boost in market understanding.

The recent arrival of the Michelin Guide in New Zealand shines a global spotlight on our food and beverage offering. Combined with Tourism New Zealand's renewed focus on food and beverage experiences, there is a significant opportunity for New Zealand wine to strengthen its role in attracting and inspiring international visitors. Wine tourism, which is a key part of the NZW 2026 Wine Business Forum, delivers benefits far beyond the cellar door. It creates deeper connections with visitors, helping build lasting affinity for New Zealand.

Come and join us in Wellington - an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, share knowledge and take away something actionable for your business.

nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/nzw26 

Somewhat Sommit

NZW recently hosted our 'Somewhat Sommit' events in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto, bringing together leading sommeliers, wine professionals and media to explore the depth, diversity and distinctive story of New Zealand wine. Modelled on our flagship Sommit programme, the events went beyond the familiar, showcasing regional expression, sustainability, Māori culture, emerging varieties and the evolving styles that are shaping perceptions of New Zealand wine in key North American markets. Across the United States and Canada, attendees engaged in thoughtful tastings and conversations covering all ten regions, our classic varieties and a few lesser-known surprises. The response highlighted strong curiosity and growing momentum for New Zealand wine, despite the wider category headwinds for the overall wine market in these countries.

nzwine.com/members/brand/trade-activiity/sommit

Pour Yourself a Glass of New Zealand & the White Wine Emoji Campaign

This year's Pour Yourself a Glass of New Zealand campaign, alongside our White Wine Emoji initiative, has delivered our strongest results to date - reinforcing the power of a simple idea to drive global impact. Building on our annual May platform celebrating New Zealand's world-class white wines, the 2026 campaign combined global PR, social storytelling and member participation to amplify our presence across key markets.

The 2026 campaign drove a 530% increase in PR value (from 762,000 in 2022 to $4.8 million) and an 822% increase in reach (from 19.2m to 177m), alongside 487,000 social media engagements. Member participation also reached new heights, with a 116% increase in toolkit downloads.

Central to this success is the White Wine Emoji campaign. By sparking conversation around the absence of a white wine emoji, the campaign has driven international media coverage and social discussion, while positioning New Zealand as a leader in white wine. The campaign has also generated strong public support, with more than 1,700 petition sign-ups across 57 countries, further demonstrating its global resonance. These results reflect both the strength of the idea and the collective effort across the wider New Zealand wine community, and we thank our members for getting behind the campaign and helping bring it to life.

Vinexpo Hong Kong

NZW made a powerful impression at Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong, with a vibrant and expanded presence that underscored our country's growing reputation as a source of distinctivee, high quality wines. NZW was proud to host 20 wineries from across the country and this year's pavilion was double the size or recent years, reflecting both rising international interest and the strength of New Zealand's diverse wine regions.

Our eye catching stand design captured the essence of what makes New Zealand wine truly unique: the purity and vibrancy of our landscapes, the passion of our people and our deep rooted commitment to a sustainable future. The result was a space that felt both inviting and authentic - a fitting showcase for wines that are as distinctive as the places they come from. We are especially grateful to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (Hong Kong) and the New Zealand Consulate General General, Hong Kong & Macao, for their invaluable support. Together, we hosted a highly successful networking event, bringing together trade professionals, industry peers, and long time friends of New Zealand wine.