Symposium
Programme

Join us 26 – 28 January 2026 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand

Monday 26 January

Our programme on day one starts at 10.00am, allowing you time to fly / travel during the morning.

Mihi whakatau and Welcome

10.00am

10.30am

Why reputation matters - Telling the NZ Story 
David Downs, NZ Story

Extracting the best from a marginal climate
Nick Lane, Defined Wine

11.15am

    • Managing ambitions

    • Managing acidity and pH

    • Autolytic expressions

    • Technical challenges

12.00pm

Lunch at the NZSVO Lounge is the perfect blend of great food, lively conversation, and exciting discoveries! 

Mingle with fellow attendees, explore sponsor stalls, and browse the inspiring poster displays – all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

1.00pm

New Zealand and beyond, a love for cool climate winegrowing regions
Anne Escalle, Edward Rothschild, Rimapere, Akarua

1.45pm

Catenamics: Our Winemaking and Growing Philosophy
Dr Roy Urvieta, Catena Institute, Argentina

    • Science-Driven Sustainability: Using research to preserve nature and culture in winemaking.

    • High-Altitude Viticulture: Pioneering extreme-altitude Malbec to ensure quality and longevity.

    • Genetic Heritage & Innovation: Protecting historic Malbec clones and studying wine ageability.

    • Terroir & Soil Studies: The Catena Institute of Wine (CIW) has conducted groundbreaking research on terroir, identifying how altitude, soil composition, and climate impact grape quality and wine expression.

    • Future-Oriented Approach: Elevating Argentine wine for the next 200 years through global collaboration.

2.30pm

CONCURRENT SESSION A 
A selection of workshops, presentations and tastings. Click here for more information on the tastings

  • Discover the journey of Sauvignon Blanc. From its bold, zesty origins to the refined, complex expressions of today, explore how this iconic varietal has evolved across cool climate regions, winemaking styles, and aging techniques. Taste the past, present, and future of Sauvignon Blanc in a guided exploration.

    Hosted by: Ivan Sutherland, Jules Taylor and Frank Benkwitz
    Facilitated by: Helen Morrison
    $100.00 per person

  • Dr Amber Parker, Jenifer Cugat
    Facilitated by: Mike Collins

  • Raise a glass to the elegance of cool-climate sparkling wines. Delve into the role autolysis plays in flavour development. Discover the artistry behind each bottle and celebrate the best of cool-climate viticulture.

    Hosted by: Jane De Witt, Nick Lane
    Facilitated by: Andy Petrie
    $100.00 per person

  • Duncan Shouler, Beth Forrest
    Facilitated by: Dr David Jordan

4.00pm

Afternoon tea at the NZSVO Lounge

4.30pm

CONCURRENT SESSION B
A selection of workshops, presentations and tastings. Click here for more information on the tastings

  • Discover the journey of Sauvignon Blanc. From its bold, zesty origins to the refined, complex expressions of today, explore how this iconic varietal has evolved across cool climate regions, winemaking styles, and aging techniques. Taste the past, present, and future of Sauvignon Blanc in a guided exploration.

    Hosted by: Ivan Sutherland, Jules Taylor and Frank Benkwitz
    Facilitated by: Helen Morrison
    $100.00 per person

  • Dr Amber Parker, Jenifer Cugat
    Facilitated by: Mike Collins

  • Raise a glass to the elegance of cool-climate sparkling wines. Delve into the role autolysis plays in flavour development. Discover the artistry behind each bottle and celebrate the best of cool-climate viticulture.

    Hosted by: Jane De Witt, Nick Lane
    Facilitated by: Andy Petrie
    $100.00 per person

  • Meagan Littlejohn, Alistair Thomson, Andree Piddington
    Facilitated by: Jeff Sinnott

6.00pm

Day one concludes

Sip. Savour. Socialise

Join us for an evening of local wine and cuisine, held within Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Commencing with a ’Sonic Aperitif’, let your senses guide you as you explore the galleries and get to know your fellow delegates. 

The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is an architectural gem in the heart of Christchurch and a short walk from Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. The building is known for its striking glass façade, which reflects the surrounding cityscape and creates a sense of openness and light. The design, was inspired by the nearby Avon River, with flowing glass panels that evoke the movement of water. 

Please note there are limited numbers for this social function. Be sure to book early to secure your spot!

Kindly sponsored by

6.45pm

Tuesday 27 January

Welcome to day two!

9.00am

9.05am

Machine learning and computer vision technology in precision viticulture to enhance vineyard management
Dr Richard Green, University of Canterbury

9.45am

Cool climate viticulture and climate change
Dr Amber Parker, Lincoln University

10.15am

Morning tea at the NZSVO Lounge

10.45am

Advances in grapevine breeding for improved resilience and performance
Dr Kai Voss-Fels, Hochschule Geisenheim University

11.20am

How industry participatory research, changed the Pinot Noir yield-quality paradigm
Dr Patricia A. Skinkis, Oregon State University

    • Learn the outcomes and impacts of a 10-year crop load research project.

    • Understand defining components for Pinot noir yield targets.

    • Learn how to conduct university-industry partnerships in citizen science.

11.55am

Exploring sensory terroir
Dr Jo Burzynska, Oenosthesia

12.30pm

Lunch at the NZSVO Lounge

1.30pm

CONCURRENT SESSION C 
A selection of workshops, presentations and tastings. Click here for more information on the tastings

  • Credited with launching the first cool climate wine production programme in the English-speaking world, witness for yourself why Lincoln University is applauded for its Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, and Masters of Wine and Viticulture programs - as well as its graduates. Tour the lab, meet the research partners and hear from the next generation.

    This exclusive event will also feature a guided tasting by Dom Maxwell, two-time New Zealand Winemaker of the Year and Lincoln University graduate, showcasing the excellence of innovative vineyard fermentations.

    Leaving during lunch, returning by 5.00pm

    $25.00 per person 

  • Dr Kai Voss-Fels, Dr Ross Bicknell, Dr Darrell Lizamore
    Facilitated by: Braden Crosby

  • Raise a glass to the elegance of cool-climate sparkling wines. Delve into the role autolysis plays in flavour development. Discover the artistry behind each bottle and celebrate the best of cool-climate viticulture.

    Dr Jo Burzynska
    Facilitated by: Natalie Christensen
    $100.00 per person

  • Dr Amber Parker, Dr Patty Skinkis
    Facilitated by: Dr Mark Krasnow

3.00pm

Afternoon tea at the NZSVO Lounge

3.30pm

CONCURRENT SESSION D 
A selection of workshops, presentations and tastings. Click here for more information on the tastings

  • Credited with launching the first cool climate wine production programme in the English-speaking world, witness for yourself why Lincoln University is applauded for its Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, and Masters of Wine and Viticulture programs - as well as its graduates. Tour the lab, meet the research partners and hear from the next generation.

    This exclusive event will also feature a guided tasting by Dom Maxwell, two-time New Zealand Winemaker of the Year and Lincoln University graduate, showcasing the excellence of innovative vineyard fermentations.

    Leaving during lunch, returning by 5.00pm

    $25.00 per person 

  • Dr Kai Voss-Fels, Dr Ross Bicknell, Dr Darrell Lizamore
    Facilitated by: Braden Crosby

  • Raise a glass to the elegance of cool-climate sparkling wines. Delve into the role autolysis plays in flavour development. Discover the artistry behind each bottle and celebrate the best of cool-climate viticulture.

    Dr Jo Burzynska
    Facilitated by: Natalie Christensen
    $100.00 per person

  • Dr Amber Parker, Dr Patty Skinkis
    Facilitated by: Dr Mark Krasnow

Day two concludes

5.00pm

Free evening to explore Christchurch

Enjoy a free evening to explore the charm of Ōtautahi Christchurch! Whether you choose to unwind in one of our many restaurants, stroll through the vibrant city streets, or discover hidden gems, this is your time to relax and make the most of your stay.

6.45pm

Wednesday 28 January

9.00am

CONCURRENT SESSION E 
A selection of workshops, presentations and tastings. Click here for more information on the tastings

9.30am

CONCURRENT SESSION E 
A selection of workshops, presentations and tastings. Click here for more information on the tastings

  • Jenifer Cugat, Kyle Christensen
    Facilitated by: Dr Mark Krasnow

  • Prof Richard Greens, Brock Campbell
    Facilitated by: Jeff Sinnott

  • Facilitated by: Jenny Dobson

  • Cool climate Chardonnay has always garnered wine enthusiast appreciation. Taste and discuss the best of New Zealand – and discover what makes our Chardonnays deserving of their increasing recognition.

    Hosted by: Jane Skilton MW, Warren Gibson and Murray Cook
    Facilitated by: Jordon Hogg
    $100.00 per person

10.30am

Morning tea at the NZSVO Lounge

11.00am

CONCURRENT SESSION F
A selection of workshops, presentations and tastings. Click here for more information on the tastings

  • Jenifer Cugat, Kyle Christensen
    Facilitated by: Dr Mark Krasnow

  • Prof Richard Greens, Brock Campbell
    Facilitated by: Jeff Sinnott

  • Facilitated by: Jenny Dobson

  • Cool climate Chardonnay has always garnered wine enthusiast appreciation. Taste and discuss the best of New Zealand – and discover what makes our Chardonnays deserving of their increasing recognition.

    Hosted by: Jane Skilton MW, Warren Gibson and Murray Cook
    Facilitated by: Jordon Hogg
    $100.00 per person

12.30pm

Lunch at the NZSVO Lounge

1.30pm

Yealands sustainability journey
Andree Piddington, Yealands Estate

    • Carbon reduction initiatives

    • Our biodiversity plan

    • IWCA (International Wineries for Climate Action)

    • Toitū Carbon Programme

2.15pm

What about trending cool - What’s hot right now?
Jane Skilton MW, New Zealand School of Wines & Spirits

3.00pm

Forks in the road
Nigel Greening, Felton Road  

  • Combining organics, biodynamics, and regenerative with such modern technologies as AI powered spore traps, multi source irrigation and autonomous aerial spraying makes for a busy life at Bannockburn's Felton Road. Is it too many ingredients to put on a plate? Or does the impending chaos of climate change require lateral multistranded thinking?

Closing remarks

3.45pm

Symposium concludes

4.00pm

A Celebration of New Zealand | Gala Dinner

Wrap up the symposium in style with our gala dinner celebrating the best of New Zealand! Indulge in cool-climate wines and delicious local kai (food) and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, elevated by New Zealand’s favourite MC Te Radar.

Then, hit the dance floor and let loose with the sounds of our seven-piece band, the Oval Office. An evening of great company, laughter, and unforgettable moments—this is the perfect way to conclude an incredible symposium!

6.30pm

Join us at the 11th International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS), learn, network and most of all have fun with your colleagues. 

Early bird registration closing prior to Friday 31 October