Altogether Unique

New Zealand Winegrowers was proud to host a New Zealand Wine pavilion at ProWine in Shanghai from 12-14 November. Attracting 27,363 trade visitors and 650 exhibitors from 32 countries and regions, the New Zealand presence at this event has more than doubled on the previous year, with over 40 wine brands present. A networking event co-hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and NZW was held to further enhance business networking opportunities for participating wineries. The New Zealand pavilion had a dominant central presence, with vibrant fresh imagery showcasing our diverse regions, 30 years of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and our wine tourism offerings. It was the first time for many wineries exhibiting, keen to embrace the China growth opportunity. Wineries were very happy with the level of traffic to the pavilion and the trade interaction they had. Lindsay Parkinson, from Rose Family Estate, noted that it’s important to be at fairs like this one, “as you’re not going to find trade connections sitting at home in New Zealand”. We expect that the New Zealand wine presence at ProWine will continue to grow.

Thanks to our market managers around the world for the following updates.

Charlotte Read is NZW General Manager Brand

Post-Sommit Masterclass in Melbourne

Liinaa Berry, one of our Sommit guests this year, presented her Post-Sommit Masterclass in Melbourne at the end of October. In partnership with Sommeliers Australia, Liinaa was one of two sommeliers from Australia selected to be hosted in New Zealand in February to attend Sommit and Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025, and to take part in broader regional wine explorations.

Liinaa Berry

The masterclass is an opportunity to present learnings and wine discoveries from the experience to peers back home. Liinaa’s presentation covered Pinot Noir examples from the subregions of Central Otago and from five other regions, a bracket of aromatic whites, a selection of Chardonnays, and an example of a Bordeaux blend. The wines shown came from seven of New Zealand’s regions. Paul Pujol, from Prophet’s Rock in Central Otago, co-presented with Liinaa, bringing a wealth of local and technical knowledge. Regenerative viticulture in New Zealand, and the interrelationship with the Māori value of Kaitiakitanga – guardianship and protection of the environment, left a strong impression on Liinaa and was a key theme of the presentation and tasting.

Cathy Wansink, NZW Australia Market Manager

Sustainability in Drinks - United Kingdom

The Sustainability in Drinks conference brought together global sustainability leaders, sparking collaboration, challenging ideas, and driving action across the drinks industry. There were a number of workshops and panel talks throughout the day, and NZW’s General Manager Sustainability, Dr Ed Massey, participated in a panel on ‘The importance of certification’. NZW also had a table to showcase each of our sustainability focus areas. It was a very successful day, highlighting New Zealand as a leading innovator in the wine sustainability space.

NZW Europe Market Manager Chris Stroud

Taking the Roadmap to North America

We also marked 30 years of SWNZ in North America, with SWNZ Programme Manager Meagan Littlejohn leading activities in the United States and Canada. As part of Climate Week NYC, NZW hosted an exclusive media lunch for nine journalists, during which the Billion Oyster Project shared insights into their work in marine restoration, and their alignment with the principle of Kaitiakitanga. Guests had the opportunity to learn how to shuck oysters, followed by a three-course lunch paired with several different wines. During the lunch, Meagan spoke about SWNZ, highlighting the Roadmap to Net Zero and showcasing how New Zealand wineries are actively implementing sustainable practices.

Following the successful lunch, Meagan co-hosted a master class at the International Wine Centre, with instructors, students and alumni. Attendees were highly engaged throughout, asking insightful questions and demonstrating a strong interest in New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability and winemaking. Meagan then continued onto Canada, where she met with liquor retailer monopolies in Toronto and Montreal (LCBO and SAQ) to discuss the Roadmap to Net Zero with their sustainability teams. There is strong alignment between their priorities and those of NZW, particularly around climate initiatives. The teams commented that they would like more New Zealand wines to display the SWNZ logo on their bottles.

Meagan Littlejohn and Michelle Bouffard have a 'fireside chat' about NZW's Roadmap to Net Zero.

Meagan also met with Michelle Bouffard, the founder of the highly respected Tasting Climate Change conference, held annually in Montreal every January. They captured their ‘fireside chat’ on NZW’s Roadmap to Net Zero, which will be shared as part of the conference next year.

NZW US Market Manager Ranit Librach and NZW Canada Market Managers, Andrea Backstrom & Melissa Stunden