Upcoming events

4 June - 26 June

Workshops are being held around the country to share tools and knowledge winegrowers can use to develop a robust biosecurity plan tailored to their site. All Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) vineyard members will need to have a biosecurity plan in place by 30 June 2026. Remaining workshops are on:

• 4 June, Northland
• 5 and 6 June, Auckland/Waikato
• 17 June, Wairarapa
• 24 June, Gisborne
• 26 June, Hawke's Bay

nzwine.com/members/sustainability/biosecurity/swnz

Grape Days 2025

5 June - Central Otago

10 June - Marlborough

12 June - Hawke's Bay

nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/research/grapedays

The Roadmap to Net Zero is a key component of this year’s Grape Days, including case studies in emissions reductions and advice on calculating carbon. Other timely topics include genetic advancements in grapevines and the potential of genomics in the vineyard, as well as updates on the Next Generation Viticulture programme, and the use of UV-C light as an alternative to fungicides. Research into the measurement of soil moisture for irrigation management, and of the influence of vineyard management on mycorrhizae, will also be outlined this year. The day-long Grape Days events are funded by the New Zealand Winegrowers levy and delivered by Bragato Research Institute, providing high-level overviews of research with a practical focus.

Scientific Research Conference

9 June

mrc.org.nz/nzwc-scientific-research-conference

The New Zealand Wine Centre 2025 Scientific Research Conference, to be held at the Wine Centre in Blenheim this winter, will explore cutting-edge wine and viticulture science from a range of New Zealand research providers. Dr Stewart Field, from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, says the event is a chance to delve into developments from established scientists and emerging PhD and master’s students, and is fertile ground for building science partnerships.

Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference

16-18 June

organicwineconference.com

The Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference will bring together industry experts from around New Zealand and across the globe to examine topics including climate change, water ecology, biodiversity, soil health, biodynamics and regenerative viticulture.

An Aotearoa tasting and an international tasting will punctuate the programme of insightful and informed presentations, as will the Matariki Organic Feast on 17 June, featuring special guest chef Kia Kanuta, named Auckland’s Outstanding Chef for 2024 at the Lewisham Awards. The kitchen is “a gift that keeps on giving”, says Kia, whose traumatic teenage years led him to his first kitchen gig, washing dishes at the Avondale RSA, where he found support from two head chefs. “The kitchen saved my life in so many ways. Feeding people is a love language for me, and a sense of belonging is what keeps me there.” Inspired by the stars of the Matariki constellation, the theme and dress code for the Feast is “A Touch of Sparkle”

Young Winemaker National Final

26 August

nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/youngwinemaker

Winemaker of the Year Competition champions emerging young winemakers in the New Zealand wine industry. It is open to young people working in all roles, from winemakers and assistant winemakers to cellar hands, cellar managers and lab staff. They are tested across a wide range of skills and knowledge, including blending, laboratory tests, viticultural knowledge, tasting analysis and market knowledge. Regional finals are on:

• 16 July, Marlborough
• 24 July, North Island
• 31 July, Central Otago

The winners of each local event competition will go on to compete in the National Final in Canterbury in August.

Young Viticulturist National Final

27 August

nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/youngvit

Competition tests competitors on a mix of practical and theoretical tasks, including pruning, netting, irrigation, machinery, pests and diseases, budgeting, nutrition, wine knowledge, irrigation, trellising and an interview, as well as the classic BioStart Hortisports race, a quiz round, and a speech at the awards dinner.

The regional events are on:

• 29 May, Marlborough
• 5 June, Hawke's Bay
• 12 June, North Island Regional
• 26 June, South Island Regional
• 3 July, Central Otago

Winners from those competitions will go on to the National Final at Greystone in North Canterbury on 27 August, with the winner announced at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner.

The 2024 Wine Business Forum

Wine Business Forum

28 August

nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents

The New Zealand Wine 2025 Wine Business Forum, to be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch, has a theme of Embracing Change and Sustaining Growth, offering attendees insights into the rapidly changing landscape of the global wine industry, with tips on how New Zealand's industry can look to sustain future growth. The forum incorporates topics on sustainability and its importance to Wine Business, as the SWNZ programme celebrates 30 years since its founding in 1995.

Natalie Wang, a highly awarded Hong Kong-based Chinese wine journalist, and founder of Vino Joy News, will join the forum speaking on the future of Asia's wine markets. "I just learned that New Zealand wine exports to China have reached a milestone of AU$50 million," says Natalie, after ProWine Hong Kong. "The surge is largely driven by younger consumers in China who are showing a growing preference for white wines over reds. As a new generation forms its drinking habits, this trend is likely to continue, fuelling growth for New Zealand wine in the Chinese market."

New Zealand Wine 2025

28 August

nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents

The New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner, in Ōtautahi Christchurch after the Wine Business Forum, is a perfect opportunity to celebrate industry successes with friends, colleagues and stalwarts. Attendees will raise a glass to the New Zealand Winegrowers Fellows 2025, and applaud the winners of Young Viticulturist and Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year Competitions.

Down to Earth, part of Organic Wine Week, will be held in Auckland and Sydney this year.

Organic Wine Week

15-21 September

organicwinenz.com

Organic Wine Week celebrates organic wine, highlighting the quality and environmental benefits of organic wine production. The week features various activities, including wine tastings, special promotions and educational events to raise awareness about organic wines. It's an opportunity for both wine enthusiasts and industry professionals to explore the unique flavours and stories behind organic wines and to support wineries that prioritise organic and biodynamic farming methods.