Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers, in collaboration with New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology (NZSVO) and New Zealand Wine, are proud to present the inaugural Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium. This will be held in Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay on the 5th and 6th of October 2023.

Chardonnay is one of New Zealand’s most important varietals and with its spiritual home being Hawke’s Bay it is only fitting that Hawke’s Bay hosts this important event that will provide a forum for the wine community to assess where we are at and where we would like to go in the journey to making exceptional Chardonnay.

Held over two days on the 5th and 6th of October 2023 the symposium will bring together a national audience from the wine community to hear, taste and share knowledge on the trends happening with Chardonnay.

Experience an interactive format featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and wine tastings throughout the symposium. Curated tastings will cover over 50 wines to assess the state of New Zealand Chardonnay and offer an international benchmarking context.

Please note that this symposium is restricted to people aged 18 and older.

Day 1: NZSVO Technical Chardonnay Workshop, Thursday 5th October 8:30am - 5:00pm

Day 2: An International Perspective on New Zealand Chardonnay, Friday 6th October 8:30am - 4:30pm

Associated Events

Alongside the symposium are our two associated events where we welcome symposium attendees and the wider community alike to join us. These are ticketed separately and are open to all, symposium attendance is not a pre-requisite.

The first is a light-hearted but educational forum with Australian winemaking legend Steve Flamsteed hosted at Brave Brewing Co. Starting bright and early at 7:30am, you'll head to work fortified with coffee, croissants, and a lick of chardonnay.

On Thursday evening, we invite you to let down your hair a little and join us back at Toi Toi for the Great Chardonnay Celebration. A festive environment will be fostered with canapes, chords, conversations, and of course plenty of Chardonnay!

Please note that both of these events are restricted to people aged 18 and older.

Coffee Croissants and Chardonnay with Steve Flamsteed, Brave Brewing Co. Wednesday 4th October 7:30am - 9:30am

The Great Chardonnay Celebration, The Opera House Stage @ Toi Toi. Thursday 5th October 5:00pm - 7:00pm