Cool Climate Wine Symposium

Helen Morrison, Chief Winemaker at Booster Wine Group and Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology, says the event provides opportunity for global scientists, researchers, technology innovators and practitioners to come together and be "fully immersed in all things wine-industry related".

As climate pressure increases... not just warming climates, but the bigger, more damaging weather events that continue to affect our industry, it's more important than ever to have a collective approach to sharing ideas on how to successfully grow wine grapes in cool(er) climates in a sustainable and high quality way.

Holding ICCWS in New Zealand is... a great chance for internationals to reconnect, or visit New Zealand for their first time, as well as for us to learn what is happening elsewhere.

I'm looking forward to... being at Te Pae in Ōtautahi Christchurch again - such an amazing facility and great to see the city well into its regrowth stages post-earthquake. I am especially excited to take part in the Lincoln University visit; as alumni I have not had the opportunity to visit since I graduated in 2005. I am also excited to be hosting the panel for the Evolution of Sauvignon Blanc workshop. We have some very interesting wines to share with our participants to help us tell the history of Sauvignon Blanc to date.

Cool climate winegrowers need... to embrace the moment, be proud of the freshness in our wines that is so distinctive when produced from a cool climate.

Now more than ever... we need to continue to share new ideas, try new concepts, and look to technology for more answers. I can't wait to see you all there in January.

iccws2026.nz