NZ Sommelier Newsletter July 19

Rachel Nui

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our competitions on Sunday 2 August and particularly for the Group Blind Tasting competition, pictured above. It starts at 3pm, and you can also sign up as a Single and we will join you to a group. We will taste 8 classic wines from around the world.

You can also join us for our gastronomic Awards Dinner at 6pm prepared by Chef Steve Coyne and students of NZ School of Food and Wine. See menu here.

And if you have not seen the photos from our very successful Fundraising Auction with Normanby Fine Wines, please click here. Once again thank you so much for this support.

With the excitement around the arrival of the Michelin Guide in New Zealand, there has never been a better time for hospitality professionals to invest in their skills. Exceptional front-of-house service is just as important as outstanding cuisine, and knowledgeable beverage professionals will play an increasingly important role in showcasing New Zealand's world-class food and wine culture.

The NZ Sommelier and Junior Sommelier of the Year Competitions will run on August 2nd at 9am. We also have Travel Scholarships for candidates for the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year and Junior Sommelier Competition. We hope to encourage people outside of Auckland to compete. Deadline for the Travel Scholarship Application is Monday 20 July. We will hold a free ONLINE Competition Briefing on Monday 20 July at 4pm.

This year the winner of the NZ Sommelier of the Year winner will be invited to attend New Zealand Winegrowers Sommit followed by Sauvignon New Zealand Conference in Blenheim in February 2027. Hosted since 2016, New Zealand Winegrowers Sommit under the leadership of Cameron Douglas MS and Stephen Wong MW has introduced 123 sommeliers, from 18 countries to the diversity of New Zealand wine styles and regions and offer a deeper understanding of New Zealand wine in a global context.

The Winner of the Junior Sommelier of the Year will be invited to attend the Organic and Biodynamic Winemakers Conference in Queenstown in 2027.

And, like so many of you, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Neill and wish to honour his unique and significant contribution to the Central Otago Wine Region, and his pivotal role in the campaign to stop the proposed gold mine at Bendigo. If you have not seen Sam's video, here is the link.

Reminder that our AGM will take place on Sunday 2 August at 1pm.

With best wishes

Celia Hay

Annual General Meeting: Sunday 2 August 1pm

Call for Committee Nominations as per our Constitution

i. Nominations for the Committee shall be called for at least 28 days before an Annual General Meeting. Each candidate shall be proposed and seconded in writing by Members and the completed nomination delivered to the Secretary/Treasurer. Nominations shall close at 5pm on Sunday 26 July.

ii. All retiring members of the Committee shall be eligible for re-election. Committee Members available for re-election in 2026: Celia Hay, Andrea Martinisi, Nick Hewitt, Wayne Shennen, Karen Fistonich

Cashias Gumbo has resigned as his new business commitments are taking his focus. We thank Cashias for his support and valued contribution to the committee since 2023.

We are seeking a new committee member to fill this vacancy. We meet online 6 - 8 times each year on a Monday evening from 5-6pm.

ASI Sommelier Certificates

ASI Certificate 1 Monday 9 November 2026 See more information here

Registrations close: Monday 12 October

ASI Certificate 2 Monday 9 November 2026 Find our more here

Registrations close: Monday 12 October

ASI Diploma Monday 8 March 2027 Read more here

Registrations close: Monday 22 February 2027

Join us for New Zealand's Annual Sommelier Competitions

Be part of our annual celebration of New Zealand's hospitality and tourism industry. Whether you're just beginning your wine journey or ready to test yourself against the country's best, these competitions are a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, sharpen your practical skills, and build the confidence to excel in your career.

New Zealand Junior Sommelier of the Year

If you're under 26 and working in hospitality, the Junior Competition is designed to be challenging yet approachable, providing an excellent opportunity to develop your wine knowledge, service skills, and confidence in a supportive environment. Competitors will be tested on New Zealand wine regions, grape varieties, and wine styles, together with a practical wine presentation. There is no decanting component, making it an ideal first step into the world of sommelier competitions.

New Zealand Junior Sommelier of the Year

New Zealand Sommelier of the Year

The winner of this year's competition will receive the opportunity to attend the New Zealand Winegrowers Sommit and the Sauvignon Conference in Marlborough in 2027—an outstanding professional development experience with access to New Zealand's leading wine producers and industry experts.

New Zealand Sommelier of the Year

Travel Scholarships

To encourage participation from across New Zealand, we are offering a limited number of travel scholarships of up to $500 for competitors travelling from outside Auckland.