Hawke’s Bay Wine, in partnership with Sommeliers Australia, is excited to announce the launch of Hawke’s Bay Wine Ambassadorship Programme. The Hawke’s Bay Wine Ambassadorship Programme offers an engaged wine professional from Australia the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable wine experience—discovering the region’s diverse subregions, distinctive varieties, striking landscapes, and passionate personalities that together shape Hawke’s Bay wines. From elegant, cool-climate Syrah and structured red blends to vibrant, expressive Chardonnay, the programme showcases what makes Hawke’s Bay so distinctive.
As part of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Ambassador Programme, the successful applicant will attend the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium, held in Hawke’s Bay from 17–18 September, and will be invited to spend time in the region connecting with the people who shape and define New Zealand Chardonnay.
Hawke’s Bay Wine Trade Immersion Day:
Applicants are invited to attend the Hawke’s Bay Wine Trade Immersion Day in Melbourne on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at The Kelvin Club. Fourteen of Hawke’s Bay Wine’s leading producers will showcase a curated selection of their most innovative and quality-driven wines. Throughout the day, applicants will have the opportunity to attend one of three exclusive masterclasses hosted by Hawke’s Bay Wine: Chardonnay, Emerging Varietals, or Red Blends—each designed to deepen understanding and offer unique insights into the diversity and the region’s signature styles.
Hawke’s Bay Wine Trade Immersion Day:
- Trade tasting featuring 14 Hawke’s Bay producers, held from 9:00am to 4:00pm – register to attend
- Chardonnay Masterclass: 9:00am – 10:30am (limited to 20 places) – secure a place
- Emerging Varietals Masterclass: 11:30am – 1:00pm (limited to 20 places) – secure a place
- Red Blends Masterclass: 2:00pm – 3:30pm (limited to 20 places) – secure a place
To be eligible for the Ambassador Programme, applicants must:
- Be a working sommelier*
- Hold ‘Professional’ membership with Sommeliers Australia
- Attend the Hawke’s Bay Wine Trade Immersion Day, held on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 in Melbourne at The Kelvin Club
- Attend at least one of the three masterclasses hosted by Hawke’s Bay Wine on Tuesday,19 May 2026
- Complete the online application via hawkesbaywine.co.nz before 5pm Friday, 22 May 2026
- Be available to travel to Hawke’s Bay between 13–19 September 2026
- Host one masterclass in Melbourne for Sommeliers Australia with Hawke’s Bay Wine before April 2027
The Ambassador Programme Inclusions:
- A fully hosted trip to Hawke’s Bay to attend the 2026 Chardonnay Symposium in Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke’s Bay (17–18 September 2026)
- Participation in a curated winery and vineyard visitor programme prior to the symposium (14 – 16 September) in Hawke’s Bay
- Ongoing connection with the Hawke’s Bay Wine community
- International flights to New Zealand, domestic flights within New Zealand, accommodation, meals, domestic New Zealand transfers, event registrations, and all event inclusions
About the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium:
Taking place on 17–18 September 2026 in the beautiful Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke’s Bay, the symposium will be held at Toitoi: Hawke’s Bay Arts and Event Centre in Hastings. The theme of the 2026 symposium is quality, highlighting the unique features of our whenua (land), climate, and winemaking philosophy, and how these elements come together to produce exceptional, premium Chardonnay.
To Apply:
- Applications are required to complete an online application form via Hawke’s Bay Wine Ambassadorship Programme Application – Australia (hawkesbaywine.co.nz) by 5pm Friday, 22 May 2026
- Attend the Hawke’s Bay Wine Trade Immersion Day on 19 May 2026 (attendance is required)
- Attend at least one of the three masterclasses hosted by Hawke’s Bay Wine and Sommeliers Australia
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview following the event
- The successful candidate will be announced Friday, 19 June 2026
Register Attendance for the Trade Tasting:
Register your attendance for the Hawke’s Bay Wine Trade Tasting via the Hawke’s Bay Wine website.
Definition of a Working Sommelier:
For the purpose of this Ambassador Programme, a working sommelier is defined as:
- A person with responsibility for, contribution to, or management of on-premise wine lists, either at their place of employment or in a consulting capacity; and/or
- A person who actively works the floor as a sommelier.
Roles in other areas of the wine trade or wine media are also considered acceptable.
