5 February
nzwine.com/members/brand
Rosé has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, becoming New Zealand's fourth-largest wine export. From vibrant, fruity styles to more savoury, textural expressions. New Zealand producers craft a beautifully refreshing, diverse range of Rosé that shines on the world stage. Check out the New Zealand Winegrowers members site for a social media toolkit, then include the hashtag #nzroseday.
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
14 February
marlboroughwinefestival.com
The 2026 festival introduces a new free wine education zone, The Curious Cellar, with a 30-minute talks from winemakers on a variety of topics. Those wanting to delve deeper can return to the annual Masterclasses, including one on naturally fermented wine and food, and another demystifying wine judging. In the ever-popular culinary tent, Peter Gordon will lead a signature session shaped around Regal Marlborough King Salmon, while award-winning author and culinary educator Nicola Galloway will offer a seasonally-focused lens, using food from small-scale local producers. With more than 20 food providers, pop-up restaurants and local producers, there are plenty of foodie favourites in store, including Martin Bosley's Oyster Saloon, with Tohu Wines.
Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival
21 February
wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz
Wairarapa wineries, eateries and food producers will set up against the stunning backdrop of ancient native trees and a picturesque riverseide setting. The Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival, presented by James Henry Ltd, is a day of indulgence and enjoyment.
Climate Action Week Marlborough
23-27 February
events.humanitix.com/climate-action-week-marlborough-2026
Climate Action Week Marlborough 2026 has a theme of 'Leading by Doing: Local Businesses, Local Solutions, Collective Action.' The event, from February 23-27, includes inspiring stories from local businesses, workshops to create plans and solutions, and field visits to see change in action, with topics including water, waste, circularity, biodiversity, energy and carbon.
North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival
8 March
ncwineandfood.co.nz
Set among Waipara vineyards and farmland, this festival celebrates North Canterbury's producers, growers and distinctive cool-climate wines, with more than 40 local wineries and food artisans. It's a showcase of North Canterbury's collaborative spirit and connection between land, people and plate.
Ripe Wanaka
21 March
ripewanaka.co.nz
The 5th Wanaka Wine & Food Festival brings together the best of Central Otago's wine and food, while Sir Dave Dobbyn performs lakeside at Glendhu Bay. This year's Ripe Masterclass series features three live demonstrations throughout the day, including Peta Mathias recreating a dish inspired by the cooking classes she runs at her second hom in Uzès, in the South of France, matched with a Mora sparkling rosé, and discussing her new book, It's been Six Months Since My Last Confession. Domaine Thomson Wines will host a vertical wine tasting, and Angelo Georgalli will present a wild food cooking demonstration and discuss his latest book The Fish+Game cookbook.
Ormond Nurseries Young Viticulturist of the Year
28 May - 26 August
nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents
There will be five regional competitions in 2026, with the winner from each going through to the National Final in Wairarapa on 26 August. The regional competitions are in Marlborough on 28 May, North Island regional on 4 June, Hawke's Bay on 11 June, South Island regional on 18 June, and Central Otago on 2 July.
Grape Days 2026
16-22 June
nzw.com/grape-days
The 2026 Grape Days events, on in Central Otago (16 June), Hawke's Bay (18 June) and Marlborough (22 June), are a chance to hear high level overviews of wine research, with a practical focus for members.
WinePro
23-25 June, 2026
winepro.co.nz
Held in Blenheim, this event is designed to nurture collaboration, innovation and learning in New Zealand's wine industry. Supported by the Marlborough District Council and Marlborough Wine, WinePro will offer education sessions, alongside an expo showcasing leading suppliers and cutting edge technologies.
Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year
30 June - 26 August
nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents
The three regional finals for 2026 will be held in Central Otago on 30 June, Marlborough on 15 July, and North Island regional on 23 July, culminating in the National Final in Wairarapa on 26 August.
Wine Business Forum
27 August
nzwine.com/members/brand/market-intel
Now in its fourth year, the NZW Wine Business Forum has become a key face-to-faced event for New Zealand's wine industry, offering timely information on a global and domestic scale. There is a strong line up of speakers for the 2026 event, to be held in Wellington, with digital and AI back on the agenda and emerging markets under the spotlight, along with the opportunities of wine tourism. Once again, inspirational wine business leaders will be part of the programme, which is designed to tackle the industry's most pressing questions. Go to the NZW members site to check out the recordings and presentations from the well-received 2025 event.
