New Zealand Winegrowers is nurturing the next generation of Marlborough’s wine industry talent with the onset of their eighth annual mentoring programme.
During the scheme, industry experts from wine regions around New Zealand are partnered with mentees who want to progress or diversify within the industry, or who are seeking support in their roles.
Those involved work across viticulture, winemaking, operations, laboratory, sales, marketing, cellar door and general management.
The wine industry generates one in five jobs in Marlborough and contributes more than 20 percent of the region’s GDP but is facing unique challenges, including upskilling staff, adopting automation and new technology, and meeting growing sustainability expectations, according to Business and Economic Research Limited’s 2024 wine workforce skills report.
These pressures come as the industry also navigates a precarious economic climate amid the ongoing market downturn.
Winegrowers 2026 Mentor Jane Hunter, executive director of Hunter’s Wines says the industry feels more uncertain at the moment, with staff hesitant to make internal role changes.
“I think people probably don’t want to move around too much at the moment unless they have to because I think there aren’t a lot of jobs available. That changes, though. It goes up and down.”
Jane, who is a viticulturist by trade, will work with her mentee over six sessions, focusing on personal goals, building confidence and providing professional advice.
Now in her third season of mentoring, she says the partnerships fostered are key to supporting emerging talent and the strength of the industry in an unsettled time.
“I think it’s important for the well-being of the industry as well as the individuals, and I think the problems and challenges that young people face are quite specific to this industry.”
Fiona Fenwick, Winegrowers’ mentor training lead, says sharing knowledge in an ever-evolving sector is vital.
“This is an industry based on a lot of innovation, a lot of people giving it a go. We’re not an old industry, and we need to keep tapped into all of that expertise, as well as embracing the innovation of the future.”
She adds that maintaining connectivity and sharing experiences between various regions is “what can make the industry really strong.”
The Winegrowers’ mentoring programme and sister programme Women in Wine have seen nearly 250 mentees pass since their inception. Nicky Grandiorge, Leadership and Communities Manager, says several people have secured promotions by the end of their mentorships, as well as permanent jobs and increased self-confidence.
“Overall, this spirit of collaboration is really special and this knowledge sharing and support for each other further strengthens industry relationships,” she says.
