The New Zealand Winegrowers’ Mentoring Programme demonstrates there are many experienced industry leaders willing to give their time to provide others with encouragement, inspiration and support.
Mentors are matched with mentees who are looking to take the next step in their careers and to progress in the industry. The programme is open to anyone working in New Zealand’s wine industry, working in all roles including viticulture, winemaking, operations, laboratory, sales, marketing, cellar door and general management.
Over the years, the programme has seen some real success stories, with participants gaining much from the experience, says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.
“It’s fantastic to see people across the industry generously sharing their time, knowledge and experience,” says Nicky. “That spirit of collaboration is very special. It strengthens our industry and helps talented people continue to grow.”
“As well as highlighting the New Zealand wine industry’s supportive community, the programme reflects the ambition and passion of people wanting to progress. It’s a very positive programme.”
The 2026 mentors, all generously volunteering their time, are: Amy Lister, Yealands; Sophie Matthews, Wineworks; Gemma Blair, Hillebrand Gori; Charlotte Read, New Zealand Winegrowers; Jody Pagey, VinPro, Sara Macdonald, Radburnd Cellars; Rosie Jaffe-Menzies, Carrick; Anna Remond, OTU Wines; Kate Lattey, No.287 Vineyard; and Jane Hunter, Hunter’s Wines.
This year’s induction workshop for mentors, was led by Fiona Fenwick, Author & Coach, and took place on 30 September at Spy Valley Winery in Marlborough. The mentors and their mentees will now meet multiple times over the coming months.
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For further information contact:
Nicky Grandorge
Leadership & Communities Manager, New Zealand Winegrowers,
+64 21 780 948
Nicky.Grandorge@nzwine.com
New Zealand Winegrowers' images can be found here.
View the New Zealand Winegrowers Mentoring Programme webpage here.
EDITOR NOTES:
NEW ZEALAND WINEGROWERS
New Zealand Winegrowers is the national organisation for the country's grape and wine sector, with over 600 grower members, 700 winery members, and directly employing over 7,000 New Zealanders each year. nzwine.com
NEW ZEALAND WINE
New Zealand wine is exported to more than 100 countries
New Zealand produces just over 1% of the world’s wine
New Zealand wine is New Zealand’s eighth-largest export good
New Zealand wine exports for 2026 were $2.108 billion
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