New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship Applications – China

Applications for China-based sommeliers close on 15 July 2026

Applicants must be: 

• A working sommelier* 

• The required drinking age of your country of residence

• Able to travel to New Zealand from 21 January 2027 to 5 February 2027 

• Able to present a New Zealand wine session (organised by New Zealand Winegrowers) upon return. Please note this is a mandatory requirement if selected.

 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**

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.

For any queries with regard to the scholarship available from China, please contact New Zealand Winegrowers China Market Manager, Vanessa Wu – vanessa.wu@nzwine.com. 

*For the purpose of this scholarship and Sommit™, a working sommelier is defined as: 

• A person with contribution to/responsibility for/management of on-premise wine lists, either at their place of employment or on a consultant basis and/or 

• A person who works the floor as a sommelier 

• Having roles in other areas of the wine trade or media is acceptable 

• There is one scholarship available from China 

 
**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.