Aaron Coxhead, Coxhead Wines, Waikato
AARON COXHEAD is 27 years old and has recently returned to NZ after working as a travelling winemaker internationally. His passion for winemaking began in 2022 with his first vintage at Invivo Wines in the Waikato. Aaron completed a Graduate Diploma in Wine Science from EIT two years later while working as Assistant Winemaker at Invivo. Aaron has worked as a vintage winemaker in Mclaren Vale and Rheinhessen. He is passionate about wine business and his goals are to establish a boutique winery and grow it to be a nationally recognized brand. Outside of work he enjoys playing cricket and spending time with his baby daughter.
NICK LAMAIN, Isabel Estate, Marlborough
Joshua Irving, Lincoln University, North Canterbury
JOSHUA IRVING is a 28-year-old Bachelor of Viticulture & Oenology (Honours) student at Lincoln University. With a background in hospitality, his passion for the wine industry was sparked when he attended his first wine masterclass. He has experience in North Canterbury and has recently worked as a Viticultural Technician for Bragato Research Institute in their Sauvignon Blanc 2.0 vineyard. He hopes to successfully complete his dissertation, and in future contribute to research-driven advancements in New Zealand’s wine industry.
Joshua also recently became the 2026 N.Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.