Symposium Speakers, Hosts, and Panelists
September 17th & 18th 2026
This immersive event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and wine tastings, offering a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration.
2026 Speakers are being announced, check back in late July for the complete line up.
2026 Symposium Speakers
Stephen Wong MW
Ex-sommelier with an unused law degree, Stephen found his place in wine through hospitality and education; advising restaurants and hotels on their wine programmes, providing ...
Braden Crosby
Braden Crosby is the Bragato Research Institute Knowledge Transfer and Engagement Lead. Braden has a been involved in an array of winemaking and viticultural roles ...
Virginia Willcock (AUS)
As the Chief Winemaker behind some of Australia’s most critically acclaimed wines, Virginia leads the winemaking team at Margaret River’s founding wine estate, Vasse Felix. ...
Julia Harding MW (UK)
Julia Harding is a distinguished wine writer, editor, and Master of Wine, renowned for her expertise and attention to detail. With a Cambridge degree in ...
Michael Brajkovich MW
Michael Brajkovich MW was New Zealand's first Institute of Masters of Wine member and has played a defining role in establishing Kumeu River Wines Chardonnay ...
Warren Gibson
Warren is considered one of New Zealand’s most accomplished and influential winemakers, with a career spanning more than three decades and has a reputation for ...
Helen Masters
Helen Masters has been the Winemaker at Ata Rangi for 22 years. Exploring and understanding the essence of place is Helen’s goal, she is a ...
Emma Jenkins MW
Emma Jenkins MW abandoned her science training for a more sociable career in wine. She writes on a freelance basis for a number of trade ...
Dr Chandré Honeth
Dr Chandré Honeth is a senior lecturer and researcher at The Eastern Institute of Technology. She attained a PhD in Viticulture from the University of ...
Dave Brookes (AUS)
Dave Brookes is a freelance wine journalist with over 25 years of experience, covering Tasmania, the Barossa & Eden Valleys and a large slice of ...
2024 Symposium Speakers
Jasper Morris MW (UK)
One of the world’s most sought-after experts on Burgundy, Jasper Morris MW has experience across the industry as a buyer, critic and writer. He has ...
Brenna Quigley (USA)
Wine serves as a lens through which Quigley can introduce people to the broader world around them; under them in most cases. Her podcast series ...
Elaine Chukan Brown (USA)
Indigenous (Inupiaq and Unangan-Sugpiaq) from what is now Alaska, Brown has dedicated their career to the intersection of sustainability, climate action, and reducing gatekeeping in ...
Stephen Wong MW
Ex-sommelier with an unused law degree, Stephen found his place in wine through hospitality and education; advising restaurants and hotels on their wine programmes, providing ...
Braden Crosby
Braden Crosby is the Bragato Research Institute Knowledge Transfer and Engagement Lead. Braden has a been involved in an array of winemaking and viticultural roles ...
Steve Smith MW
Steve Smith MW has spent his career in the New Zealand wine industry as a researcher, viticulturist, leader and creator of entrepreneurial wine businesses such ...
Samantha Connew (AUS)
A highly experienced and respected winemaker and consultant, Samantha Connew launched her Tasmanian solo project Stargazer in 2013. Prior to this, she was employed working ...
Blair Walter
Blair’s been at the helm of Felton Road since inception in 1997 and their 12,000 case annual production is carefully distributed to over 40 countries ...
Sherwyn Veldhuizen – Bell Hill
Bell Hill, historically named from 1918 for its shape as viewed from the south, is an old lime quarry steeped in natural history becoming a ...
Robin Shaw
Robin is the founder of Wine Tourism Australia and Vintuition. She works with small and medium-sized wineries to help owners develop their visitor experiences while ...
Morven McAuley
Custodian of the not serious wine chats nz, Morv acts as moderator for the podcasts and writes the odd article. A brand, sales and marketing ...
Jeremy McKenzie
Award-winning winemaker, Jeremy McKenzie is a seasoned Marlborough expert who focuses on crafting wine that reflects the terroir at Isabel Estate.