2026 Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium Resources
The 2026 Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium explored quality — how we define it, achieve it and communicate it. We considered how our whenua (land), climate and approach to growing and winemaking shape the character and quality of our Chardonnay.
Through tastings and shared discussion, we explored what makes great Aotearoa Chardonnay, and how we can consistently craft distinctive wines with exceptional texture and balance.
Speakers for the 2026 Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium included:
- Braden Crosby, Bragato Research Institute
- Dr Chandre Honeth, Eastern Institute of Technology
- Dave Brookes (Au), Wine Journalist
- Emma Jenkins MW, Writer
- Julia Harding MW (UK), Senior Editor, Jancisrobinson.com
- Michael Brajkovich MW, Winemaker, Kumeu River Wines
- Steven Wong MW, Wine Writer and Educator
- Warren Gibson, Winemaker, Trinity Hill, Bilancia and WG Consultancy
Full details of the Symposium and links to the resources are below.
Compendium
View the 2026 Compendium online here: ACS26 Compendium
Photographs
All photography taken by Richard Brimer. Please credit images to Richard Brimer and Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium: @aotearoa.chardonnay @rich.brim #aotearoachardonnay
Day 1 Wines
Day 1, Session 1
Day 1, Session 3
Wine 1: Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2025
Wine 2: Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2024
Wine 3: Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay Kumeu 2024
Wine 4: Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay Kumeu 2019
Wine 5: Pyramid Valley Lion's Tooth Chardonnay North Canterbury 2022
Wine 6: Bilancia Tiratore Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2021
Day 1, Session 4
Wine 1: Maenad De l’Avant au Carré Chardonnay Jura 2022
Wine 2: Shaw and Smith Tolpuddle Tasmania 2025
Day 2 Wines
Day 2, Session 2
Wine 1: Ata Rangi Masters Chardonnay 2022
Wine 2: Ata Rangi Masters Chardonnay 2024
Wine 3: Ata Rangi Masters Chardonnay Whole Bunch Pressed 2025
Wine 4: Ata Rangi Masters Chardonnay Foot Stomped 2025
Wine 5: Ata Rangi Masters Chardonnay 2025
Wine 6: Ata Rangi Masters Blend 2026
Wine 7: Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay Magaret River 2023
Wine 8: Vasse Felix Single Plot DHJ1 Chardonnay Magaret River 2023
Wine 9: McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard Chardonnay Margaret River 2023
Wine 10: Stella Bella Luminosa Chardonnay Magaret River 2023
Day 2, Session 3
Day 1 Presentations
Julia Harding MW: What is quality in wine? Who decides and why does it matter?
Dr Chandré Honeth: Exposing Chardonnay: The Effects of Leaf Removal
Ryan Fraser: Exposing Chardonnay: Costs & Practical Considerations
Michael Brajkovich MW (Kumeu River): How Kumeu River has positioned themselves at the premium
end of the chardonnay market and built an international reputation.
Warren Gibson (Trinity Hill & Bilancia): How Chardonnay adapts to different regions and terroirs in NZ.
Day 2 Presentations
Braden Crosby: Results and application of EIT and BRI Chardonnay research for ACS.
Helen Masters (Ata Rangi): Evaluate grape processing method on phenolics and style.
Virginia Willcock (Vasse Felix): Understand Gingin Clone and the Margaret Rivers style of Chardonnay derived from it.
Julia Harding MW: Keynote Part 2 and Tasting
Thank you to all 2026 Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium Sponsors:
