Empowering young Pinot lovers
When Dan Sims launched Pinot Palooza in 2012, he was well aware of the narrative that young people were eschewing wine and the industry was on the verge of collapse.
You can find the stories at nzwine.com/members/brand/visit/nz-wine-press-coverage. We are looking forward to welcoming more international guests as speakers at our Wine Business Forum on 28 August, at Te Pae in Ōtautahi Christchurch (nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/nzw25). Entitled 'Embracing Change and Sustaining Growth', the speaker programme includes wine business analyst Rob McMillan, author of Silicon Valley Bank's highly regarded annual State of the Wine Industry Report, and leading Chinese wine journalist Natalie Wang, the founder of Vino Joy News, among other insightful and inspiring experts. The lineup will grow attendees’ understanding of the new market realities of exporting to the US and will offer insights into the strong potential for New Zealand wine in Asia. As we mark 30 years of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), we will also explore the importance of sustainability in wine business. The day provides an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, share knowledge and take away something actionable for your business.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Tasting Climate Change
To amplify the milestone of 30 years of SWNZ, the NZW Canada team has been working with Michelle Bouffard on a communications campaign leading up to the Tasting Climate Change Conference in January 2026. This is a Canadian initiative but has broad international reach. The campaign kicked off with a dedicated Tasting Climate Change newsletter on Earth Day, entitled ‘A Toast to 30 Years of Sustainability’, which highlighted SWNZ’s progress and vision for the future. Additional storytelling is already in motion, including a featured article in Quench Magazine, exploring SWNZ’s Water pillar, and a piece in Le Devoir (Québec) that takes a closer look at New Zealand’s carbon emissions footprint and the Road Map to Carbon Zero.
In September 2025, we will launch a monthly interview series in the Tasting Climate Change newsletter. These features will spotlight New Zealand wineries taking bold action against climate change, from regenerative farming to energy efficiency and packaging innovation. Each piece will serve as both a celebration and a call to action, building anticipation for the global dialogue to come at the 2026 conference.
Japanese Sommelier Association Young Sommelier of the Year Competition
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NZTE Trade Commissioner Kylie Archer with Bungo Matsunaga |
At the Japanese Sommelier Association Young Sommelier of the Year competition in Tokyo, Bungo Matsunaga, of Cellar Door Aoyama, presented a session inspired by his recent visit to New Zealand for Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025, including earning a coveted spot for Sommit. Organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the event drew 23 young sommeliers and key media from Japan’s top wine publications. The curated Pinot Noir selection was praised for its freshness and aromatic expression. Leading sommelier Miyuki Morimoto commended the high calibre of wines, noting it is rare for Japanese sommeliers to experience such a premium lineup in one sitting.
NZW Annual China Roadshow
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On the back of strong export growth to China, with exports having reached an all-time high and exceeded the $50m threshold for the first time (March MAT $51.5m), we were especially excited to deliver our three-city roadshow in May. NZW returned to the tier one cities Guangzhou and Shanghai, and for the first time expanded our presence to the tier two city of Qingdao. We had 2,270 attendees across the three cities, allowing New Zealand wineries active in the China market, or seeking distribution, to showcase their wines to trade professionals in New Zealand’s primary markets there. Beyond wine, the event offers a broader brand New Zealand experience, to resonate with the audience at large. NZW partnered with other New Zealand exporters and Air New Zealand to enrich the experience and foster lasting awareness for both our country and its wines. The roadshow is structured into two primary segments: the Masterclass and the Trade Tasting. To promote enhanced market understanding, prior to the tasting, NZTE led the China outlook seminar for New Zealand wineries and their importers, which NZW members could also join live as a webinar.
