Export growth for NZ wine in challenging year

New Zealand wine exports topped $2.1 billion in the year to June 2026, the industry's second-best June year on record, despite a tough trading environment at home and abroad. 

New Zealand Winegrowers’ 2026 Annual Report shows exports reached $2.108 billion and export volume increased to 306.2 million litres in the 12 months to June 2026.

It says the result reflects an overall sales increase of 8% driven by export growth and represents the industry’s second-highest June year total on record.

NZ Winegrowers says that in the face of a challenging global and domestic environment, New Zealand wine continued to outperform the wider category in key markets, providing grounds for confidence in the long-term prospects of New Zealand wine.

At the same time, individual businesses across the sector are making adjustments after Vintage 2026 delivered a smaller harvest of approximately 440,000 tonnes, down a significant 15% on the previous year, bringing production into closer balance with current market demand and supporting the industry’s focus on sustainable long-term growth.

New Zealand Winegrowers' Chair Fabian Yukich said the report showed an industry that was far from standing still.  “This has been a challenging year across the global wine industry, but New Zealand wine continues to show remarkable resilience.

"What stands out is the determination of growers and wineries to adapt. Businesses in the sector are making adjustments, the progress made this year gives us confidence that it is moving towards a more balanced footing,” said Yukich.

CEO Anishka Jelicich, who started in the role in July, said the Annual Report marked the start of the next phase for NZW. “Our new strategy has a clear purpose: to elevate and sustain the New Zealand wine industry by empowering our members. This means giving growers and wineries the information, advocacy, and practical support they need to make well-informed decisions.”