Our organisation is a not for profit incorporated society and its primary goal is to create a community of people from around New Zealand working with wine, beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic), wine and beverage sales, wine and beverage marketing within the sectors of hospitality, wine, wine tourism, wine education, wine marketing and sales; to create a community of wine and beverage enthusiasts and people who share the values of the Association

With this association in place, we will be able to join Association of Sommeliers International (ASI) which has a membership of 52 countries.  

New Zealand Wine Professional Awards 2016

Dion Wai wins  New Zealand Sommelier of the Year  - Sunday 11 September

L-R Head Judge Cameron Douglas MS, Dion Wai, Andy Reid from EuroVintage representing Champagne Louis Rodederer,  Celia Hay, chair NZ Sommeliers and Wine Professionals and sponsor of New Zealand Sommelier of the Year.

 Richard King wins New Zealand Junior Sommelier of the Year with sponsor Andy Wilkinson from Misha's Vineyard, Central Otago.

Photos from 2016 Competitions 

 NZ Sommelier Competitors Cashias Gumbo from The George, Christchurch and Piers Haszard of Botswana Butchery with Vanessa, GM of Good Group.

Our goal is to create a challenging competition that will test the skills of experienced sommeliers and to offer the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year and Junior Sommelier of the Year competitions for people who are ambitious to excel but need more time and experience in the industry. For those who working in wine sales, retail and cellar door, there is the Young New Zealand Wine Professional of the Year award.

COMPETITIONS OF 2015

New Zealand Sommelier of the Year

This award recognizes excellence in New Zealand and international wine knowledge for outstanding candidates working as a sommelier or senior manager in a hotel, lodge or restaurant. We encourage entries from candidates who can demonstrate excellent wine service and communication skills along with an in depth knowledge of wines from around the world.

Sponsor: New Zealand School of Food and Wine & Louis Roederer

 

Prize

• Return flight to Paris
• VIP hosting for a day at Louis Roederer including a full tour of the cellars & lunch
• Return transfers Paris to Reims
• One night accommodation Reims
• All meals provided

Junior Sommelier of the Year

This award recognises excellence in New Zealand wine knowledge for outstanding candidates working in any hospitality business. We encourage entries from candidates who wish to develop their wine skills and progress to more senior positions in their chosen field.

Sponsor: Misha’s Vineyard

Prize

• Return flight to Queenstown
• 2 nights accommodation with Misha’s Vineyard/The Rees Hotel
• Helicopter tour around the key winegrowing regions of Central Otago
• Special dinner at the award-winning True South Dining Room (Exec-Chef - Ben Batterbury) and joined by the General Manager of The Rees Hotel
• Tasting sessions to gain an in-depth understanding of Central Otago sub-regions/varietals
• All meals provided