Applications are now open.
Closing date is 30 April 2026. Head to the relevant Mentor or Mentee pod below to download the forms.
Following the huge success of our previous Women in Wine NZ mentoring programmes, we are delighted to launch the 2026 programme.
Women in Wine NZ supports women to develop their careers and reach their full potential. The mentoring programme is one of the key initiatives to help women connect and grow. This is a fantastic opportunity to increase your skills, stretch yourself and widen your network either as a mentee or mentor. Both mentors and mentees have found the previous programmes extremely beneficial and enjoyable.
I couldn't have hoped for a better way to get myself out of the feeling of "being stuck". I came out of it more decisive, disciplined and grounded. "
Mentee 2025
"I enjoyed being a sounding board and learning how people see things in different ways."
Mentor 2025
The programme is open to women of all ages and stages of their career, working in all roles within the New Zealand wine industry including; laboratory, sales and marketing, viticulture, winemaking, cellar door, general management, logistics, administration and cellar hand.
Women working in roles closely associated with the New Zealand wine industry may also be considered for the programme, for example, sommeliers, wine graduates, wine educators, specialist wine retailers, between jobs in the NZ wine industry or retired from it and wanting to share their knowledge.
The programme aims to match one woman with an experienced female mentor from the wine industry within their region and occasionally in a different region. This is subject to the number of applications received and suitable matches available.
In regions where there are multiple applicants we also hope to match additional pairs, creating the opportunity for more mentor-mentee matches to be made around the country.
The programme includes an in-person induction workshop for Mentors on 28 July and an online induction workshop for Mentees on 29 July.
The mentor's workshop is likely to be in Marlborough and travel expenses will be covered.
Please note the mentors kindly offer their time on a completely voluntary basis and receive no fee for this programme.
