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WinePro 2024. Photo Credit: Richard Briggs
Building on the success of its inaugural event, WinePro New Zealand returns this winter with “a refreshed and more immersive experience”, say organisers.
The conference programme, to be held in Blenheim from 23-25 June, is being led by Wine Marlborough and Marlborough District Council, to showcase wine-related products and services, along with an extensive education segment.
Wine Marlborough General Manager Marcus Pickens says having 100 exhibitors at the inaugural WinePro was an excellent result. “It well exceeded my thoughts of what could be achievable.”
From irrigation and bird netting to artificial intelligence and automated vineyard technology, and from winemaking additives and technology to transport and logistics, the trade show, conference and networking revealed the entire wine process.
The education component, curated by Wine Marlborough, “adds another lens”, Marcus says. They’ll build on the success of 2024 this year, with three rooms offering concurrent sessions, exploring themes of The Producer, The Innovator, The Seller, and The Drinker. As well as delving into myriad angles of wine production, from soil to glass, the education sessions will look at other sectors, and what they are doing with their research and development, Marcus says.
Molecular filtration company amaea showcased its reusable molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology at the 2024 WinePro, on the trade floor and as part of the education programme. The company’s wine industry lead, Jonathan Engle, says WinePro gave amaea an “invaluable opportunity” to connect with a wide group of winemakers.
“We were supported by Dean Boyce at Indevin and Duncan Shouler from Giesen Group, who shared their experience and provided wines for attendees to taste,” Jonathan says. “As a new technology player in the wine industry, WinePro served as a great platform to launch and engage winemakers in the analytical and sensory outcomes amaea MIPs provides.”
The wine industry is navigating a period of outside influence, “and how the sector responds matters”, says Gary Fitz-Roy, Managing Director of event organiser Expertise Events. “WinePro is not about dwelling on challenges, but about solutions, energy and fresh thinking. It is where the industry comes together to explore practical innovation, share insight, and leave better equipped to move forward with confidence.”
Organisers of the Inaugural WinePro are looking to build on its success in 2026, with wine-related trade education and innovation showcased in Blenheim from 23-25 June. Wine Marlborough General Manager Marcus Pickens shares some insights into the seminars and workshops planned for this year.
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The three-day WinePro trade event is an opportunity to celebrate New Zealand’s international reputation as a wine producer and cement Marlborough’s place as a hub of technology and innovation, says Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor.
