WINE-PRODUCING regions from across the world will be decanting their experts to New Zealand for a conference on promoting vineyards and tasting venues to business event organisers and tourists.
Hawke’s Bay has been selected to host the Great Wine Capitals Conference and AGM in October 2026. The event will come three years after the coastal region along New Zealand’s North Island being announced as a Great Wine Capital (GWC).
GWC is a network of cities and regions recognised for delivering a preeminent wine tourism experience. Hawke’s Bay was announced as the host of the 2026 GWC Conference and AGM at this year’s event in Bordeaux.
POURING IN…
Themed ‘A World of New’, the conference is expected to attract more than 150 delegates including international wine tourism travel-trade, media, wine-related businesses and academics, plus members from the 11 Great Wine Capital cities and regions: Bordeaux, Mainz/Rheinhessen, Lausanne, Verona, Porto, Bilbao/Rioja, San Francisco/Napa Valley, Adelaide, Mendoza, Valparaiso/ Casablanca Valley. Also attending will be delegates from new Observer Member the Chinese city of Yantai in Shandong province.
“The GWC is an influential global brand that aligns beautifully with Hawke’s Bay’s position as New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country. It’s about putting Hawkes Bay on the map as a premium wine region and bringing New Zealand with us,” said Hamish Saxton, Hawke’s Bay Tourism CEO.
“Hosting this conference and AGM will also showcase the amazing venues, accommodation and activities across Napier and Hastings and the region’s ability to host international high-quality business events,” Saxton added.
As the oldest wine-growing region in New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay boasts a mix of renowned international wine brands and independent winemakers producing more than 38 varietals, New Zealand Tourism said in a statement.
Hawke’s Bay is also the country’s oldest wine-growing region, boasts a mix of renowned international wine brands and independent winemakers producing more than 38 varietals.
The five-day event will incorporate the conference and AGM, familiarisation trips, knowledge exchange and technical visits, along with New Zealand’s first wine tourism–focused day for the travel trade. Wine tasting, a gala dinner, and the annual International Best of Wine Tourism Awards are also among the events.
More… Biz events can chill in New Zealand
Organisers are in contact with local taiwhenua people to ensure the event follows appropriate tikanga (Māori protocols) and represents the unique culture of Aotearoa.
Penelope Ryan, Tourism New Zealand Global Manager for Business Events, added: “New Zealand is gaining a strong reputation as a host of premium wine industry events. The ability to blend world-class wine expertise and experiences amid beautiful surroundings is extremely appealing to both event organisers and delegates.”
Main image… Craggy Range and Te Mata Peak overlook the vines in Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Picture source: Tourism New Zealand
