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OPINION: New Zealand's soils and climate make our wine industry extraordinary. But it is the people behind the vines and wines who make it Altogether Unique.
This is an industry powered by passion, as epitomised by the 2026 New Zealand Winegrowers Fellows.
The late, great Sir Sam Neill's love of Central Otago, Pinot Noir and New Zealand wine saw him champion all three on the global stage.
Kevin Judd's parallel careers in the "art" of winemaking and photography have changed the way the world sees our wine, while Lynnette Hudson's decades-long "obsession" with Pinot Noir has spilled into an enduring dedication to sharing knowledge.
Philip Gregan's relentless work behind the scenes over more than four decades has helped enable the industry's stellar growth and constant evolution, while Rex Sunde stepped away from a successful but uncomfortable career in agrichemicals to work on the other side of the equation, helping winegrowers refine their use of sprays.
Their stories differ, but each of the Fellows have brought relentless energy and generosity to New Zealand wine.
Passion is also at the heart of the Focus Feature, looking at opportunities on the global stage.
At a difficult time for global wine sales, Kat Pickford talks to companies finding grounds for cautious optimism.
Opportunities remain for New Zealand wine, but seizing them takes persistence, strong relationships and time spent understanding individual markets.
The upcoming NZW 2026 Wine Business Forum will delve into those opportunities including insights into emerging markets like South Korea and India.
This edition comes out as Anishka Jelicich joins New Zealand Winegrowers as Chief Executive Officer, following Philip's retirement.
Anishka brings more than two decades of leadership experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe, including extensive experience in the global wine industry.
She also brings a deep connection to New Zealand, and to the people and places that make its world-renowned wines.
Sophie Preece
EDITOR
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Having founded three wineries, sold two, and put the 21st vintage of Wild Irishman into barrel, Central Otago winemaking pioneer Alan Brady could choose to put his feet up.
In a classic story of poacher turned gamekeeper, Rex Sunde ditched a career in agrichemicals to help New Zealand winegrowers minimise their spray use.
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.
OPINION: The months ahead are important for New Zealand Winegrowers.
OPINION: New Zealand's soils and climate make our wine industry extraordinary. But it is the people behind the vines and…
One of Australia's most decorated winemakers will speak at the Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium in Hawke's Bay this September.
The third Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium will be underway in Hastings, Hawke's Bay, on 17-18 September.
In early May, New Zealand Winegrowers delivered a webinar for members, providing a commercial view of New Zealand wine in…
