New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship 2027

Applications close 30 June

First launched in 2015, the scholarship is now a global initiative, having hosted over 123 sommeliers from 18 countries across across Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, UAE and the USA.

The scholarship provides engaged wine professionals from all over the world with the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable wine experience, discovering the regions, varieties, landscapes, and personalities that make New Zealand wine so distinctly New Zealand.

Scholarship recipients will attend the 2027 Sommit™, to be held in Waitaki Valley on 22-23 January 2027. Hosted by New Zealand wine and on-premise authorities Cameron Douglas MS and Stephen Wong MW, attended exclusively by sommelier scholarship recipients and targeted exclusively to their interests, the Sommit™ event is an all-encompassing celebration of the lesser known aspects of New Zealand wine.

The Sommit trip is a massive eye-opener, with an unprecedented level of access to world-class producers who all communicate with such refreshing openness and honesty. This opportunity actually changed my entire approach to buying and drove the approach that allowed me to win Best Single Site On Trade Buyer at The LWF Wine Buyers Awards this year.

Tom Fahey from The Terrace at Ventnor and winner of the 2025 Sommit™ scholarship comments on his experience and benefits of the opportunity.

“This programme is a unique and targeted experience for sommeliers to explore the world of New Zealand wine. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to meet and network with fellow sommeliers from around the world and to discover and share their stories and best practices,” says Chris Stroud, Market Manager UK Europe.

“Our objective is that the winners of this scholarship will become ambassadors for New Zealand wine, passionately telling the story of New Zealand wine, and increasing availability and sales in restaurants within their communities.”

The winner of the scholarship this year will also be invited to attend at Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027 in Marlborough from 2-4 February 2027, along with wider wine experiences and tastings in regions across New Zealand.

Candidates are expected to have a strong passion for the wine industry and a keen interest in developing their knowledge of New Zealand wine.

There is one space available for a UK sommelier.

Those interested and eligible* can >> apply online << before the closing date: 30 June, 2026.

Applicants must be:

• A working sommelier*

• Able to travel to New Zealand from 21 January 2027 to 5 February 2027

• Able to present a New Zealand wine session (organised by New Zealand Winegrowers) upon return. Please note this is a mandatory requirement if selected.

*see application form link for terms and conditions