Now in its fourth year, the 2026 NZW Wine Business Forum, ‘Winning in Changing Markets’, is a key gathering for industry leaders focused on where the next phase of growth will come from for New Zealand wine.
This year’s forum will centre on understanding our continually changing operating environment, where growth opportunities lie in emerging markets, and how wine tourism can play a valuable role in driving industry growth. With a strong national and international speaker line-up, it will deliver practical, commercial insights to help wineries navigate change, sharpen capability, and capture future opportunities.
Sonal C Holland is India’s first and only Master of Wine (MW), having earned the wine world’s most prestigious qualification in 2016.
An award-winning educator, entrepreneur, author, broadcaster and international speaker, she has spent more than two decades shaping India’s modern wine and spirits culture. Widely regarded as India’s leading drinks expert, Sonal also holds the highest qualifications from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in wines, spirits, sake and beer.
She founded the Sonal Holland Academy, one of India’s leading beverage education institutions; SoHoWines Consulting, which advises global brands on entering and growing in the Indian market and consults with luxury hospitality groups and airlines on their beverage programmes; and the India Wine & Spirits Awards, India’s leading blind-tasting competition for wines and spirits. She is also the creator of the India Wine Insider Report, the definitive analysis of trends, consumer behaviour and opportunities shaping India’s evolving wine market. In partnership with Vinexposium, she is curating Vinexpo Discover India, a business forum connecting international wine and spirits producers with importers, distributors and key trade stakeholders in the Indian market.
With a social media community of nearly two million followers, Sonal has become one of the most trusted and far-reaching communicators in the world of wine and spirits, shaping consumer awareness and beverage culture in India and beyond.
Recognised among the most influential figures in India’s luxury and alcobev industries, Sonal has received numerous international accolades for her contribution to wine education, communication and industry development. She is also the author of her memoir, One in a Billion, and serves as a global ambassador for the growth of wine and spirits culture in India.
Forum Themes & Sessions
Winning in the United States – Navigating Disruption and Opportunity
The United States remains New Zealand’s largest export market and its most valuable, but it is going through a period of real change. Vineyard removals, softer sales, distributor disruption and shifting consumer behaviour are all reshaping the landscape. This session looks at where things currently stand, what entry and adjustment strategies are working, what the new normal may look like, and where the real growth opportunities still exist in overlooked segments.
Winning in New Markets
India – A Timely Opportunity with the Free Trade Agreement now in place, India presents an important moment for New Zealand wine. This session explores the local wine landscape, how consumer behaviour is evolving, and where the most realistic opportunities sit.
South Korea – A Recent Case Study of NZ Wine Growth South Korea continues to be one of the strongest growth markets for New Zealand wine. This session shares practical insights into consumer behaviour, how wine is reaching the market, and what is driving recent momentum.
Where Are We Winning Now? Key Export Market Scorecard
This session draws on the latest New Zealand Wine Brand Health Tracking research to give a clear picture of where New Zealand wine is performing well and where pressure is building across key export markets. It includes perspectives from major regions such as the United Kingdom, United States, China, Canada and Australia, bringing in-market insights together into one view.
The focus is on practical takeaways that can support listings, portfolio decisions and market prioritisation.
Winning Through Digital, Data and AI
Many wineries, particularly smaller and medium sized businesses, do not have the time or resources for advanced marketing. Artificial intelligence is starting to change that. This session focuses on practical applications rather than hype, including content creation at scale, effective prompting, using AI across marketing workflows, affordable market research, and practical first steps for upskilling teams.
Winning Through Wine Tourism
With international markets under pressure, attention turns closer to home and the role of wine tourism as a growth driver. This session shares learnings from recent tourism initiatives that encourage cellar door visitation and cross border wine purchasing, along with insights into New Zealand’s position within the global Great Wine Capitals network.
Winning Through Story, Food and Place
Building on the success of Tourism New Zealand’s food and beverage storytelling, this session explores how wine contributes to New Zealand’s global reputation alongside world class cuisine. It focuses on how storytelling, place and produce come together to strengthen the category internationally.
Who Should Attend
This event is designed for decision-makers within the wine industry looking to drive value growth here at home and offshore with resilience in changing markets
Why Attend
•Practical insights from leading international and local speakers
•A clear view of how to win in changing global and domestic markets
•Emerging export opportunities and evolving consumer demand
•Tools to apply digital innovation, AI and wine tourism to your business
•Connection with peers shaping the future of New Zealand wine
•Te Papa, New Zealand’s premier waterfront cultural venue
