Marlborough ready for red carpet WinePro experience

The final touches are being put into the schedule for WinePro, which promises to be New Zealand’s most extensive showcase of wine industry equipment.

WinePro, taking place from the 25th - 27th June at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 In Blenheim, hosts more than 70 industry suppliers, alongside industry leaders talks on everything wine from vine to bottle with the aim to “Innovate, Elevate, Celebrate”.

With WinePro focusing on being an industry led exhibition, the support of the Marlborough Council, New Zealand Wine, Bragato, AgriTechNZ and Marlborough Wine and from across the industry has been crucial, alongside working with the local tourism and restaurant sectors.

Show organiser Gary FitzRoy believes Marlborough is keen, eager and ready to host a world-class week all about wine.

"This event is not just about business, it's a celebration and tribute to the remarkable achievements of the New Zealand wine sector who lead in a number of producing aspects.

“As participants immerse themselves in the world of WinePro New Zealand, they'll experience first-hand the passion and dedication that make Marlborough and New Zealand a global powerhouse in wine production.

“It's been a great experience seeing the vision of the Marlborough Council come to life and their support in getting this event off the ground with key representative bodies and individuals pulling together to deliver something that sets a whole new event benchmark in the industry.

“I am sure everyone will be proud to have this world standard event now established in New Zealand”.

WinePro week promises plenty of engaging opportunities, with Grape Days Marlborough at ASB Theatre presented by Bragato Research Institute on Monday, a Welcome to Blenheim and Dragon’s Den agritech company panel at the old Clubs of Marlborough hosted by new owners Alfred Taylor Developments on Wednesday evening, and the Thursday morning Women in Business Breakfast.

The Women in Business Breakfast will host a panel of experienced women from across the wine industry nationally and internationally will share their insights while giving women an opportunity to network.

MC Tracy Atkin hosts Anne Escale, Dr Samantha Scarratt and Eva Pemper, who will give their insights from across their collective wine business expertise.

“The speakers have been chosen to represent different stages of business that present different challenges”, says Tracy.

“From a young start-up (Eva) to an established global brand (Rothschilds/Anne), as well as a consultant in the wine industry (Sam), they have very different experiences reflecting different perspectives of both challenges and opportunities of business in the wine industry.

“Women are still significantly underrepresented at a senior business level, so it's great to be able to give them a voice and encourage other women to venture down the business path as I have - the community of women in wine is stronger and more supportive than ever, mentoring the next generation and advocating for equality and sustainability in the industry”.

Tracy, who despite being from Marlborough points to Fromm Syrah and Eva Pemper chardonnay as current favourites, says the Women in Business Breakfast will give guests an insight into how the industry worldwide can learn from one another and blend together.

“The 'old world' has been making wine for thousands of years and has a rich heritage of trade and distribution through, for example, France’s more cooperative and negociant models.

“What can we learn from other countries and cultures about solutions to not only business challenges, but also how to tackle some of them biggest issues the industry faces?

“However, New Zealand produces world class technology that are already looking to be industry game-changers, and I'm passionate about supporting start-ups that solve some of the industries greatest problems, from productivity, growth and sustainability through new technologies”.

Outside of the panel, Tracy is also eager to make new connections and see the cutting edge of wine technologies throughout the week.

“I'm looking forward to making new connections and seeing the latest in technology on display in the trade area - especially the start-ups.

“This is such an incredible opportunity to have so many people, products and services from the wine industry altogether in one place”

The show promises plenty - with thorough talks on the expo floor, an in-depth conference schedule of speakers, lots of opportunities for organic networking alongside local Sauvignon Blanc and low alcohol wine tastings- all of which help to create a weeklong focus on the entire wine industry from all angles.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary showcase - for more information, including registration details, event tickets and the latest updates, visit www.winepro.co.nz.