Altogether Unique

The New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Major Events Strategy recognises that attracting a group of influential media and trade at one time, in order to share knowledge and ideas, collectively witness New Zealand's wine industry putting its best foot forward, and travel through our diverse and contrasting wine regions, is impossible to replicate.

We are looking forward to reading perspectives and insights from visiting media and trade, which help build and strengthen global awareness of the premium New Zealand Wine brand.

It's been six years since a major international wine event has been held in New Zealand, and eight years since the last Pinot Noir conference, so there is extra excitement about this opportunity for our industry to shine.

A massive thanks to all involved, no matter how big or small the contribution. It takes a team effort from across our membership and regions to take centre stage, and give depth of meaning to why New Zealand Wine is altogether unique.

Charlotte Read is NZW General Manager Brand

Joining Forces in the UK and Ireland

Kicking off 2025 on the other side of the globe was the UK/Ireland Annual Trade Tasting, run at the end of January as a collaboration between NZW and Wine Australia. Both organisations have hosted their flagship Annual Trade Tasting events since the 1980s, but this was the first joint initiative, following other successful collaborations. Events were held in Dublin, London and Edinburgh, with the three-city tour including more than 1,000 wines from 200 brands, spanning 54 regions in Australia and New Zealand.

From left, Sarah Shepherd and Chris Stroud of New Zealand Winegrowers with Emma Baumann, Laura Jewell MW, and Emma Symington MW, from Wine Australia..

Chris Stroud, NZW Market Manager UK Europe, says last year the trade tastings were a week apart and in the same venue in London. “Teaming up enabled importers to showcase a wider portfolio at one event, and it helped buyers, retailers and sommeliers get the most out of a day away from their business.” Mark Stephenson, Director at retailer Grape and Grain, said the collaboration was a fantastic initiative, which he attended to seek out new wines. “Wine Australia and NZW joining forces is great news for the trade. There’s synergy between the two countries, the wines are complementary, and the joint event helped buyers juggle busy schedules.”

Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia Regional General Manager UK/EMEA, notes that Aussies and Kiwis have lots of things in common: “Fine wine, great food, stunning scenery, the cool Southern Ocean, and a friendly laid-back attitude.” The tasting showcased Australia and New Zealand’s distinctive terroirs, vibrant winemaking communities, and “thrilling wines”, she said. “In competitive markets such as the UK and Ireland, we must continue to be innovative in how we showcase the breadth of our wines to trade, and the response to our collaboration in other markets has resulted in success for producers on both sides of the Tasman.”