Wine Business Forum

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.

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.

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 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

With thanks to our Sponsor Discover eShipping by Hillebrand Gori

If you have any questions, please contact events@nzwine.com.