Major conference program announced
Major conference program announcedWinePro NZ 2026 To Put Practical Solutions, Smarter Production and Industry Insight Centre Stage
Major conference program announced featuring MPI, Zespri, vineyard economics, automation, electrification, climate science and practical grower solutions
MEDIA RELEASE: EXPERTISE EVENTS
As New Zealand’s wine sector navigates changing markets, cost pressures, and the need for greater efficiency, WinePro NZ 2026 is set to bring together the people, ideas, technology, and practical solutions helping wine businesses make smarter decisions now and position themselves for the future.
Returning to Marlborough from 23–25 June 2026, WinePro NZ will deliver a powerful combination of exhibition, conference sessions and exhibitor-led Floor Talks focused on the issues shaping vineyard performance, winemaking efficiency, profitability, and long-term resilience. Far more than a traditional trade event, WinePro NZ has been designed around one question many businesses are asking today: “What practical things can we do right now?”
Across three days, attendees will hear directly from industry leaders, innovators, growers, economists, researchers and operators tackling the same challenges facing New Zealand wine businesses.
The conference program will tackle some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand winegrowers, beginning with a focus on export growth, profitability and market performance. Ministry for Primary Industries Programme Director Terry Copeland will outline the pathway to doubling New Zealand’s primary sector export value by 2034, while industry experts John Wilson and Mike Insley will examine the financial realities shaping vineyard profitability, grape demand and pricing pressures. Sessions on market access and consumer purchasing behaviour will also explore the critical difference between getting wine listed and getting it bought.
Innovation, efficiency and technology will feature strongly throughout the event, with practical insights into reducing labour and diesel costs through automation, electrification and smarter vineyard systems. Industry leaders will share real-world examples of electric machinery, robotics and operational improvements already delivering measurable gains, while Zespri Chief Digital Officer Dave Scullin will provide lessons from one of New Zealand’s most successful export businesses on digital transformation, resilience and the growing role of AI in decision-making.
The program will also address the long-term sustainability of the wine industry, with experts examining the impact of climate change on vineyard planning and production, alongside practical discussions on electrification and future-ready business strategies. A topical panel on offshore bottling will explore where value is created or lost across the supply chain, helping growers and wine businesses better understand how to protect margins while remaining competitive in an evolving global market.
See all the speakers and their topics here: https://winepro.co.nz/speaker-list/.
WinePro NZ 2026 will also feature an extensive Exhibitor Floor Talks Program, delivering short, highly practical sessions directly from companies working at the frontline of vineyard and winery innovation.Topics include:
Smarter Vineyard Operations: Innovations in Pruning, Tying & Trellis Management – Matt Bailey, Strainrite Fencing Systems
Enhancing NZ Wine Quality & Visitor Experiences with Precision Climate Control – Fahad Dad, Daikin New Zealand
All-Electric Autonomous Spraying – Tim Curr & Garry Peek, TRS Wholesale & Peek Robotics
Autonomous Tractors in Vineyards: Real Results, Right Now – Richard Beaumont, Agovor eTractors
Building Global Wine Club Loyalty Beyond the Cellar Door – Emily McCutcheon, Commerce7
Energy Efficiency: The Future – Jamie Hubbard, Hydramech
Smarter Irrigation & Fertigation – John Witherspoon, Netafim New Zealand
Smarter Fermentations & Real-Time Monitoring – Rocco Longo, Enartis Pacific
According to Event Director Gary Fitz-Roy, WinePro NZ arrives at an important time for the sector.
“Periods of change are often when the smartest business decisions get made, " said Fitz-Roy.
WinePro NZ isn’t about simply talking about challenges, it's about bringing together practical ideas, trusted expertise, smarter technology and commercial solutions that growers and wineries can apply.”
“For many businesses, the biggest gains don’t necessarily come from major investment. Sometimes it is a smarter process, a better supplier, a new technology, or simply hearing how someone else solved a problem,” he continued.
Held in the heart of New Zealand wine country, Marlborough provides the ideal backdrop for the industry to reconnect, compare ideas, see innovation firsthand and explore practical ways to improve performance across the vineyard, winery, and wider business.
With strong relevance across vineyard management, winemaking, sustainability, automation, digital sales, energy efficiency, and profitability, WinePro NZ 2026 is expected to attract strong interest from growers, wineries, suppliers and industry professionals across the country.
EVENT DETAILS
WinePro NZ 2026
Dates: 23–25 June 2026
Venue: Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000, Blenheim
Exhibition: Free on registration
Conference: Paid sessions available
For registrations and information visit www.winepro.co.nz