[VIC] Hawke’s Bay Wines Trade Immersion Day

Hawke’s Bay Wine, in partnership with Sommeliers Australia, is excited to announce the launch of Hawke’s Bay Wine Ambassadorship Programme, offering an engaged wine professional from Australia the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable wine experience—including a place at the 2026 Chardonnay Symposium held in Hawke’s Bay this September. 

Hawke’s Bay Trade Immersion Day:

Applicants are invited to attend the Hawke’s Bay 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. 

What to expect:

• Trade tasting featuring 14 Hawke’s Bay producers, held from 9:00am to 4:00pm – register here
• Chardonnay Masterclass: 9:00am – 10:30am (limited to 20 places)
• Emerging Varietals Masterclass: 11:30am – 1:00pm (limited to 20 places)
• Red Blends Masterclass: 2:00pm – 3:30pm (limited to 20 places)

The Ambassador Programme Inclusions:

• Attendance at the 2026 Chardonnay Symposium in Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke’s Bay (17–18 September 2026)
• Participation in a curated winery and vineyard programme in Hawke’s Bay (13–19 September 2026)
• 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 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.

An incredible opportunity awaits—only one ambassador will be selected to participate in the programme.

To Apply:

Applicants must attend the Hawke’s Bay Wine Trade Immersion Day on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, and participate in at least one of the three masterclasses hosted by Hawke’s Bay Wine and Sommeliers Australia. Applicants are also required to complete an online application by Friday, 22 May 2026. For more information and to submit an application, please visit Hawke’s Bay Wines Ambassador Programme Application – Australia. Applicants must hold a Professional Sommelier’s Australia membership. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong passion for the wine industry and a keen interest in developing their knowledge of Hawke’s Bay wines. The successful applicant will be announced on Friday, 19th June 2026.

Please read the full terms and conditions : hawkesbaywine.co.nz