A group of international sommeliers will arrive in New Zealand next year, thanks to New Zealand Winegrowers’ Sommelier Scholarships.
New Zealand Winegrowers says this initiative helps to influence preferences for New Zealand wine in some of the world’s most interesting wine bars and restaurants.
“We look forward to winning the hearts and wine lists of this impressive group of sommeliers”, says Charlotte Read, General Manager Brand, New Zealand Winegrowers. “As a result of their time with us, we are confident they will be inspired and share their first-hand knowledge of New Zealand wine with their customers.”
The nine sommeliers who are recipients of this year’s scholarships will take a break from their day jobs to immerse themselves in New Zealand’s wine regions and attend a one-day masterclass called the Sommit. The hand selected group will come from the USA, UK, Canada, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand Winegrowers, the industry body that represents both growers and wineries, has been cementing relationships with sommeliers since 2016 through this scholarship programme that includes wine tastings and experiences throughout several New Zealand wine regions.
“This is the first time since 2019 that we have been able to bring sommeliers back to New Zealand to visit our wine regions and to attend Sommit, a full day masterclass. We are excited to add to the itinerary three days at the Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 event in Christchurch, where the sommeliers will be able to take a deep dive into the people and places that lie behind New Zealand Pinot Noir.”
Over 120 sommeliers applied for this year’s scholarships when they opened in May 2024. Since 2016, the programme has hosted seven Sommit events, for 114 sommeliers, from 18 countries.
Amber Rill will join the group from Corkbuzz, a New York City wine bar with two locations, that offers wine education through wine classes, wine dinners, special events and private events.
Amber says “I'm excited to experience first-hand the trajectory of the New Zealand wine industry. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are proven, classic wines, and it stands to reason that other quality and complex wines from other grapes will follow. The opportunity to learn about these wines and share that knowledge with the New York wine community, along with other established grapes, can only help to strengthen and grow our understanding and appreciation of New Zealand's contributions to the world of wine.”
Liinaa Berry who consults to Australia’s on-premise trade, is fizzing about the opportunity. “New Zealand strikes me as one of the most beautiful countries on the planet with untouched wilderness, a rich culture and a vibrant wine scene. Being selected as a scholar is a true honour and I couldn't be more excited to immerse myself in the terroirs, diversity and pioneering spirits of New Zealand wines.”
Charlotte says of next year, “Bringing influencers from around the world to New Zealand through the Sommelier Scholarships is an extraordinary opportunity, and at New Zealand Winegrowers we believe this element of our education programme is quite unique around the world, just like our wines.”
New Zealand sits at the far edge of the world, but punches above its weight on the world wine stage. Over the past year, wine lovers across the globe purchased 81 glasses of New Zealand wine per second.
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For further information contact:
Chrissy Powlesland
Communications Manager, New Zealand Winegrowers
chrissy.powlesland@nzwine.com
Charlotte Read
General Manager Brand, New Zealand Winegrowers
charlotte.read@nzwine.com
New Zealand Winegrowers images can be found here.
Editor’s notes
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND WINE
New Zealand Winegrowers is the national organisation for the country's grape and wine sector, with over 600 grower members and 700 winery members. nzwine.com.
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND WINE SOMMELIER SCHOLARSHIP & SOMMIT
The New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship is an education programme that offers engaged wine professionals from around the world the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable New Zealand wine experience, discovering the regions, varieties, landscapes and personalities that make New Zealand wine so distinctly New Zealand.
Sommit is a full day masterclass that sits within the scholarship experience in New Zealand. This event is designed as a closed-door, sommelier-exclusive discussion and debate, based on flights of wine that adhere to a focused narrative, and encourage conversation about New Zealand’s diverse wine offerings. In 2025 it will be held in Gisborne and hosted by Cameron Douglas MS and Stephen Wong MW.
Prior to the one-day Sommit, the group will travel to the city of Christchurch to spend three days at Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025.
The scholarship includes:
Attendance at the Sommit™ in Gisborne (17-18 February 2025), attendance at Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 in Christchurch (11-13 February 2025), wine experiences and tastings in regions across New Zealand. International and domestic flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, event registrations and all event inclusions. Find out more here.
ABOUT PINOT NOIR NEW ZEALAND 2025
Taking place 11–13 February 2025 in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, Pinot Noir New Zealand is a three-day gathering for wine lovers and industry professionals, celebrating the rich heritage and future of New Zealand Pinot Noir. This event brings together the best of New Zealand’s winemakers and global wine enthusiasts to explore, taste, and discuss the vibrant world of Pinot Noir. Plenary sessions will delve into the value, guardianship, and future of our place via key speakers such as Eric Asimov, Tim Flannery, Mimi Casteel and Damon Gameau. Celebrated chefs will deliver a uniquely New Zealand culinary programme, bringing a true sense of Whanaungatanga, kinship and family connection. See the full programme and secure your seat at the table. Tickets are available now – pinotnz.co.nz.
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