Media Releases

Older Media Releases

27 Nov 2017

New Zealand’s winegrowing sustainability recognised internationally

New Zealand has been celebrated for sustainable winegrowing practices at the 2017 Drinks Business Green Awards in London. Up against winegrowing countries from all over the world, Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) won the Green Initiative of the Year Award.



26 Nov 2017

Chardonnay shines at 2017 Air New Zealand Wine Awards

A Marlborough Chardonnay has won the top prize at the 2017 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. The Isabel Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 won the prestigious Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show trophy, as well as the Rabobank Champion Chardonnay trophy, at an Art Deco inspired awards dinner in Hawke’s Bay last night.

26 Nov 2017

New Zealand Winegrowers celebrates new Fellows

Four wine industry stalwarts have been honoured for their outstanding service to the New Zealand wine industry at the 2017 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. Joe Babich, Geoff Thorpe, Bill Spence and Lorraine Rudelj have been made Fellows of NZ Winegrowers, an accolade that recognises dedication and influence in New Zealand’s flourishing wine industry.



20 Nov 2017

John Barker nominated for top global wine role

New Zealand Winegrowers welcomes the New Zealand government’s nomination of Dr John Barker as a candidate for the role of Director General of the International Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV).

29 Sep 2017

Sweet success for New Zealand wine

Results released today show New Zealand wines have triumphed at the prestigious UK-based International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). New Zealand scooped not only the show’s top Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc Trophies, but a slew of top medals that included a record number of dessert wines. Download the file for the full release.

01 Sep 2017

Wine industry recognises viticultural excellence at 2017 Romeo Bragato Wine Awards

A Cabernet Franc from Canterbury has come out on top at this year’s Bragato Wine Awards. Grown by Lindsay Hill, in the Waipara West vineyard located in Canterbury, The Boneline Cabernet Franc 2016 won the coveted Bragato Trophy for Champion Wine of the Show.  The wine also picked up the O-I New Zealand Trophy for Champion Emerging Red Wine. Download the file for the full release.

29 Aug 2017

Women in Wine NZ launch event sold out

The first New Zealand Winegrowers’ Women in Wine NZ event, sponsored by Plant and Food Research, has drawn a capacity crowd with all 165 tickets snapped up.  Tonight’s event at the ASB Theatre in Blenheim, marks the official launch of the Women in Wine NZ initiative.

28 Aug 2017

Wine exports reach record high

The export value of New Zealand wine has reached a record high according to the 2017 Annual Report of New Zealand Winegrowers. Now valued at $1.66 billion, up 6% in June year end 2017, wine now stands as New Zealand’s fifth largest goods export. Download the file for the full release.

25 Aug 2017

Scholarship open to New Zealand sommeliers for the first time

The New Zealand Winegrowers Sommelier Scholarship is open to New Zealand applicants for the first time, offering local sommeliers the opportunity to take part in a memorable wine experience with their international peers. Download the file for the full release.

16 Aug 2017

Wine industry opens its doors to 24% of NZ's international tourists

Touring New Zealand’s stunning wineries and vineyards has become a huge drawcard for visitors - with 24% of international holidaymakers making it part of their itinerary. Now New Zealand Winegrowers has made it even easier for tourists to explore wineries by adding a wine tourism section to their website: nzwine.com/visit, showcasing over 450 wine experiences. Download the file for the full release.