Editorial: Celebrating New Zealand Wine's 2026 Fellows

This is an industry powered by passion, as epitomised by the 2026 New Zealand Winegrowers Fellows.

The late, great Sir Sam Neill's love of Central Otago, Pinot Noir and New Zealand wine saw him champion all three on the global stage.

Kevin Judd's parallel careers in the "art" of winemaking and photography have changed the way the world sees our wine, while Lynnette Hudson's decades-long "obsession" with Pinot Noir has spilled into an enduring dedication to sharing knowledge.

Philip Gregan's relentless work behind the scenes over more than four decades has helped enable the industry's stellar growth and constant evolution, while Rex Sunde stepped away from a successful but uncomfortable career in agrichemicals to work on the other side of the equation, helping winegrowers refine their use of sprays.

Their stories differ, but each of the Fellows have brought relentless energy and generosity to New Zealand wine.

Passion is also at the heart of the Focus Feature, looking at opportunities on the global stage.

At a difficult time for global wine sales, Kat Pickford talks to companies finding grounds for cautious optimism. 

Opportunities remain for New Zealand wine, but seizing them takes persistence, strong relationships and time spent understanding individual markets.

The upcoming NZW 2026 Wine Business Forum will delve into those opportunities including insights into emerging markets like South Korea and India.

This edition comes out as Anishka Jelicich joins New Zealand Winegrowers as Chief Executive Officer, following Philip's retirement.

Anishka brings more than two decades of leadership experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe, including extensive experience in the global wine industry.

She also brings a deep connection to New Zealand, and to the people and places that make its world-renowned wines.

Sophie Preece

EDITOR