Symposium Programming
September 17th & 18th 2026
Expanding on our theme of ‘Sense of Place’ from 2024, this year the Symposium shifts focus to define quality in chardonnay.
This immersive event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and wine tastings, offering a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration.
2026 Symposium Outline | ||
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Welcome Gathering - 16th September 2026, Peak House | ||
| 4.30 pm |
A casual and informal welcome to delegates and opportunity to kick off the 2026 Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium in style! This event is open to the wider wine community, so we encourage you to invite family, friends, colleagues and team members who aren’t attending the conference to purchase tickets. An intentionally BYO event, guests are invited to bring a bottle of Chardonnay to share and enjoy a relaxed evening accompanied by a generous grazing table. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and celebrate the people behind New Zealand wine before the symposium conversations begin. Perched high above Hawke’s Bay with sweeping views across the region, Peak House provides a spectacular setting for the opening of the symposium. Carpooling is recommended given the location. |
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Day 1 - 17th September 2026, Toitoi Hastings | ||
| 7.00 am | Coffee and tea available | |
| 8.00 am |
Mihi Whakatau (opening) |
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Session 1: Defining Quality | ||
| 8.30 am | Julia Harding MW: What is quality in Chardonnay, how do we judge it? | |
| 9:15 am | Julia Harding MW, Stephen Wong MW, Emma Jenkins MW; tasting and discussion. | |
| 10.00 am |
Morning tea |
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Session 2: Leaf Cover vs Quality | ||
| 11.00 am | Dr Chandré Honeth: Results and application of EIT and BRI Chardonnay research for ACS | |
| 11:40 pm | Dr Chandré Honeth, Braden Crosby, Stephen Wong MW, Emma Jenkins MW; tasting and discussion. | |
| 12:30 pm |
Lunch |
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Session 3: Case Studies | ||
| 1.30 pm | Michael Brajkovich MW (Kumeu River): How Kumeu River has positioned themselves at the premium end of the chardonnay market and built an international reputation. | |
| 2:30 pm | Warren Gibson (Trinity HIll & Bilancia): How Chardonnay adapts to different regions and terroirs in NZ. | |
| 3:15 pm | Michael Brajkovich MW, Warren Gibson, Stephen Wong MW, Emma Jenkins MW; discussion and questions. | |
| 4:00 pm |
Refreshment Break |
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Session 4: Communicating Quality | ||
| 4:15 pm | Dave Brookes, Emma Jenkins MW, Stephen Wong MW; How do wine writers communicate quality and how does the consumer perceive quality in Chardonnay? Tasting and discussion. | |
Party Time! Chardonnay Celebration, Atrium Hastings | ||
| 5.00 pm |
As symposium programming concludes for the day, the Chardonnay Celebration begins. Tickets are available to delegates and their partners only, and is the symposium’s signature party: an evening dedicated to great bottles, unwinding after a full day of learning and discussion, and celebrating the friendships that make this community so special.
Guests are invited to bring a special, interesting or meaningful bottle of any variety to contribute to the (now relocated) sharing table, creating a unique opportunity to taste rare finds, back vintages, personal favourites and unexpected gems. Throughout the evening, Hawke’s Bay favourite Silence of the Lambs will be serving a generous feast inspired by the region’s outstanding produce, while a DJ keeps the grooves flowing. Part bottle share, part feast, part celebration, the Chardonnay Celebration is where the day’s conversations continue, the corks keep popping, and the symposium community comes together for an evening to remember. Tickets required. |
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Day 2 - 18th September 2026, Toitoi Hastings |
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| 7.00 am | Coffee and tea available | |
Session 1: Yield vs Quality | ||
|---|---|---|
| 8.00 am | Braden Crosby: Results and application of EIT and BRI Chardonnay research for ACS. | |
| 9.00 am | Braden Crosby, Dr Chandré Honeth, Stephen Wong MW, Emma Jenkins MW; tasting and discussion. | |
| 9:45 am |
Morning Tea |
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Session 2: Case Studies | ||
| 10:30 am | Helen Masters (Ata Rangi): Evaluate grape processing method on phenolics and style. | |
| 11:15 pm | Virginia Willcock (Vasse Felix): Understand Gingin Clone and the Margaret Rivers style of Chardonnay derived from it. | |
| 12:00 pm | Helen Masters, Virginia Wilcox, Stephen Wong MW; discussion and questions. | |
| 12:45 pm |
Lunch |
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NOTE: TO AVOID DISRUPTION TO OUR AFTERNOON PROGRAMMING, PLEASE LEAVE NOW IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO STAY UNTIL 3 pm | ||
Session 3: So what is quality? | ||
| 1:40 pm | Julia Harding MW: Keynote Part 2 and Tasting | |
| 2:40 pm | Julia Harding MW, Stephen Wong MW, Emma Jenkins MW; discussion and wrap up. | |
| 3.00 pm | Karakia Whakamutunga to close Symposium | |