Meet Your Board - Sam Glaetzer

What Is Your Background In The Wine Industry?

I’ve had extensive experience in winemaking through roles throughout Australia and New Zealand. I’ve been at the helm of Constellation Brands NZ since July last year and before that, I was at Treasury Wine Estates for nearly 20 years where I held a wide variety of positions – starting in engineering, then moving through winemaking, operations and marketing.

Making wine has been a part of my life since before I could walk; my immediate family make wine in some of Australia’s most famous regions. 

As a youngster, Dad gave me pocket money for taking samples from the tanks and later on, I studied engineering and wine making at the University of Adelaide.

What Inspired You To Stand?

I’m passionate about the people, knowledge and effort that making wine successfully requires and I saw NZ Winegrowers as a way to contribute more, and also to learn more. 

Constellation Brands NZ is the nation’s largest wine exporter and we account for around 10 per cent of annual wine yield so in my job I travel extensively - meeting and listening to customers. 

I wanted to bring that knowledge back home and use it to build on our industry’s success and keep us on track to deliver on our potential.

What Are Your Thoughts On The Change Of Governance?

It’s very welcome. Our industry has grown and matured and NZ Winegrowers is evolving with it. This is the right time for us to look at how we accomplish our goals and most importantly, who we represent. 

What Committees Are You Involved With And Why Those?

Marketing: it’s the closest touch-point to our customers, and the gatekeepers too.

What Do You Believe Is The Greatest Hurdle Moving Forward For NZ Wine?

We have talented, committed members and leaders with vision and skill. Keeping us all focused on the big ticket items such as quality and reputation, and moving in the right direction together, will be key to our future success. 

What Issue Do You Believe Needs A Higher Priority Than It Is Currently Receiving – And Why?

Disproportionate and/or poorly thought-out regulation is a serious concern. 

It’s alarming that our incredible industry can sustain export growth by sending our outstanding wines to the world but at home, we keep hearing about the need for more legislation, increasing compliance costs and further restrictions.

Staying focused on quality is also an understated requirement for our industry. 

I think it is vital to maintain excellent quality to avoid commoditisation of New Zealand wines and a race to the bottom. I’m committed to ensuring that we continue to have continued growth and success in different varieties and regions, and for that to be a stepping-stone to further achievement in the future.

What Is Your Personal Vision For The Future Of NZ Wine? How Do We Get There?

We have a mature and well-developed industry now which provides us with opportunities to enhance what we’re currently doing and expand into new areas.

I think supporting winemakers that focus on showcasing varietal excellence and regional diversity is a strategy that will serve us well. 

Leading the largest wine exporter in New Zealand means that I can play a role in communicating the story of our industry’s outstanding wines to consumers and customers around the world and I love using every opportunity to do that.