From The CEO: First Drops in the Glass

As I approach three months in my role as New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive, one message has come through consistently in conversations across the country: many members, particularly growers, are facing a challenging period.

At the same time, another theme has emerged. During visits to Nelson and Marlborough, I met several second-generation winemakers. While acknowledging today’s challenges, they reflected on cycles they had experienced before. Markets fluctuate and conditions change. Yet they had also seen the industry adapt, innovate and recover. Those conversations stayed with me because they captured two co-existing realities: many members are facing genuine hardship today, yet there are still good reasons to remain confident about tomorrow.

From Marlborough to Nelson, Wellington to Hawke’s Bay, each discussion has added another drop to the glass. No single conversation tells the whole story, but together they reveal the character of an industry with deep expertise, strong values and enormous potential. Throughout those conversations, three themes have stood out. The first is the depth of commitment people have to each other and to the future of New Zealand wine. The second is the pride people have in what New Zealand wine represents, and rightly so. At tastings and events, such as Winetopia, the Aoteoroa Chardonnay Symposium, and Down to Earth, I have seen that pride firsthand. Whether enjoying an elegant Pinot Noir, a distinctive Sauvignon Blanc or a more experimental expression, what stands out is not just the quality of the wine, but the enthusiasm behind it.

I have also been struck by how forward looking so many of our conversations are. While members are dealing with today’s realities, they are also focused on tomorrow’s opportunities. Whether discussing India, Korea, continued growth in the United States, artificial intelligence or stronger links between wine and tourism, there is a clear determination to keep innovating and looking ahead.

Importantly, our members are pursuing these opportunities from a position of strength. While global wine consumption is under pressure, New Zealand wine continues to perform strongly. Our exports continue to grow in most key markets, and our premium positioning and international reputation remain significant competitive advantages.

I have also seen the regard in which New Zealand wine is held beyond our industry. In meetings with government and policymakers, I have consistently heard recognition of the contribution wine makes to New Zealand’s economy, regional communities and international reputation. New Zealand wine is widely regarded as one of our country’s flagship industries.

Periods like this also reinforce why a strong industry organisation matters. While NZW cannot determine market conditions, we can advocate on behalf of members, provide trusted insights, invest in building the New Zealand wine category, and continue to strengthen industry capability through research and innovation. Supporting members and bringing the industry together around shared priorities must remain at the heart of everything we do.

By the time this edition reaches members, a new Board will have taken office. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of those directors whose terms are ending and thank them for their service to both NZW and the wider industry. The new Board also provides an opportunity to look ahead. Together, the Board and management team will continue to focus on how NZW can deliver value for members and support the industry through both its challenges and opportunities. As the industry evolves, so too must we.

These first months have confirmed something that has come through in almost every conversation I have had: New Zealand wine’s greatest strength is its people. The conversations I have had so far are only the first drops in the glass. There are many more regions to visit, events to attend and members to meet. The picture is far from complete, but what I have seen so far reveals much about the character of our industry: resilience, co-operation, ambition and a commitment to excellence. Those are qualities worth being confident about.