REGISTER HERE
Registrations are open for the Great Wine Capitals International Annual Conference in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 18-22 October 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to our extraordinary corner of the world defined by its breathtaking landscapes, warm people, and world-class wine experiences.
You are just one step away from being part of this exceptional global event. View the programme by delegate type here then select your delegate status from the options below to view the delegate fees and fill out the associated registration form. Or you can purchase individual tickets to three of the highlight events in the programme.
Conference accommodation can be found here. We have negotiated special rates at these hotels, so please email the hotel via the link and use
the code provided.
Who should attend?
This conference is for wine and tourism professionals, business leaders, researchers, educators, and industry innovators looking to expand their networks, gain fresh insights, and explore new opportunities in the global wine sector. Whether you are seeking to discover emerging trends, connect with influential peers, or experience world-class wine culture, you’ll find everything and more at the 2026 Great Wine Capitals International Annual Conference in Hawke’s Bay.
What Awaits You in Hawke's Bay
The 2026 programme has been designed to deliver maximum value across every dimension of professional development, knowledge exchange, and inspiration:
Global Networking
Connect face-to-face with business leaders, researchers and industry professionals from Great Wine Capitals across the globe.
Innovation & Insights
Engage with the latest thinking in wine tourism, industry trends, and emerging innovations shaping the future of our sector.
Business Opportunities
Structured and organic networking opportunities to open new markets, forge strategic partnerships, and grow your international reach.
Exceptional Wine Experiences
Explore world-class wineries, taste award-winning wines, and discover the unique terroir and gastronomy of New Zealand's finest and oldest wine region firsthand.
Cultural Immersion
Experience the living culture of Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke's Bay, through its deep Māori heritage, landscapes, and people.
GWC Delegates
Individuals working within GWC network : member of GWC Executive Committee, Local Coordinators and members of GWC Working Groups.
International Business Delegates
Representatives from international businesses across the wine or tourism sectors who wish to participate in the Great Wine Capitals Annual Conference.
View the full programme here
New Zealand Business Delegates
Representatives from New Zealand businesses associated with the wine or tourism sectors who wish to participate in the Great Wine Capitals Annual Conference.
View the full programme here
International Wine Tasting
Step into an exclusive global wine experience! Taste exceptional wines from all eleven Great Wine Capitals of the world, poured by industry experts from each region. Your ticket includes a vibrant evening of tastings, delicious canapés, and a lively DJ soundtrack. A rare chance to explore a whole new world of wine under a stunning canvas canopy in the heart of a vineyard.
Wednesday 21 October
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Black Barn Market
Ticket Price $120.00
(includes wine tastings and canapes)
Knowledge Day
Be part of the conversations shaping the future of wine tourism. The Great Wine Capitals Knowledge Day brings together global delegates for a day of insights, innovation and meaningful connections.
This year the focus is on social licence - exploring how the wine industry can thrive responsibly in a changing world. Hear from international and New Zealand experts on marketing wine and experiences in an era of mindful consumption, authentic cultural storytelling, and environmental stewardship.
If you’re looking to stay relevant, inspired, and globally connected, this is a day not to miss.
Thursday 22 October
8:30am - 4:00pm
Napier War Memorial Centre
Early Bird Ticket Price $425.00 (available until 31 July)
Standard Ticket Price $495.00
(includes morning tea, lunch and a networking drink at the closing)
Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards and Gala Dinner
Join us for a spectacular Gala Dinner and Awards Night, where you’ll celebrate alongside delegates from all eleven of the world’s most exclusive wine regions.
Enjoy an exceptional evening of fine wine, outstanding cuisine, cultural performances, and live music, culminating in the announcement of the prestigious International Best Of Wine Tourism award winners. It’s a night of celebration, connection, and global excellence - secure your seat at the table.
Thursday 22 October
6:00pm - 10:30pm
Toi Toi - Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre, Hastings
Ticket Price $250.00
(includes cocktails and canapes, plus three course meal with wine matches)
or
Table of 10 for $2,000.00
Programme by Delegate Profile
The five-day programme has been crafted to deliver an unparalleled experience for delegates:
- Experience a Pōwhiri (traditional Māori cultural welcome) onto a marae (Māori meeting ground).
- Enjoy curated winery tours designed to provide a deeper understanding of what success in wine tourism looks like.
- Attend travel trader meetings with international accredited tour operators.
- Participate in facilitated industry specific roundtable discussions designed for tourism organisations, wine associations and research and education institutes.
- Gain insights from international speakers on how wine regions can maintain social licence by navigating evolving public and regulatory expectations across health, environment, sustainability, labour, culture, and community wellbeing.
