New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship & ‘Sommit™’

The New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship provides engaged wine professionals from all over the world with the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable wine experience, discovering the regions, varieties, landscapes and personalities that make New Zealand wine so distinctly New Zealand. 

“The Post-Sommit Blues are very real. I really cannot express how grateful I am for the experience. It was everything.”

Shepherded by New Zealand wine and on-premise authorities, Cameron Douglas MS and Stephen Wong MW, attended exclusively by only 10 sommeliers and targeted exclusively to their interests, the Sommit™ is an all-encompassing celebration of the lesser known aspects of New Zealand wine, with particular emphasis on the facets that resonate with the sommelier community.

It's also crazy fun.

Scholarships to attend Sommit™ and a wider New Zealand wine itinerary encompassing Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand and cross-country regional experiences are available from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, China, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand. 

The scholarship includes:

• Attendance at the Sommit™ in Waitaki Valley (22-23 January 2027) 

• Attendance at Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand in Wairau Marlborough (2-4 February 2027) 

• Wine experiences and tastings in regions across New Zealand 

• International and domestic flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, event registrations and all event inclusions which will be arranged by NZW*

"Sommit was without a doubt the most incredible experience of my professional life. Not only was it fun and informative and adventurous, it personified the New Zealand wine industry through gracious hosts, serious winemakers and a level of playful uniqueness that won’t ever be forgotten.”

Candidates are expected to have an obsession for all things wine, and a particular hankering for knowledge of New Zealand wine.

The Scholarship will be awarded by NZW at its sole discretion. NZW’s decision as to the recipients is final and no correspondence, review or appeal will be entered into regarding the selection process or outcome. The Scholarship is non-transferrable.

Criteria and application information can be found at the below links: 

Applications for Japan-based sommeliers have closed, and the application process for South Korea-based sommeliers is under development. The winner of the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year Competition will attend as the New Zealand sommelier.

For any queries with regard to the New Zealand Wine International Sommelier Scholarship and Sommit™, please contact Felicity Turner – New Zealand Winegrowers Trade Activation Manager - felicity@nzwine.com.

*Successful applicants will be solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining travel insurance, passport, visa, entry clearance, immigration or other authorisation required to attend or participate in the Programme. Any costs or expenses incurred by successful applicants in relation to such requirements shall be borne by the successful applicant and will not be reimbursed by NZW under any circumstances.