The Post March 2026

This month, we’re bringing you a viticulture edition fi lled to the brim of stories from all over New Zealand’s booming wine industry. From lakefront vines in Otago and deep-diving research in Marlborough, to one of the highest vineyards in Hawke's Bay and an innovative organic vineyard in North Canterbury, we left no bottle uncorked this March.

We sat down with Ross Wise and head viticulture researcher Dr Paul Epee at Bragato Research Institute, whose cutting edge research projects are paving the way for more efficient, cost-effective viticulture operations.

Next, we met with Damon Lovell, the vineyard manager at Carrick Wines in Bannockburn. His approach emphasises nurturing the vineyard and allowing the surrounding plant diversity to flourish.

Josh Holdaway of Blackmore Fencing in Marlborough shows us how he strings up a Wire Jenny using GOFENCE® ENDURANCE® Wire

Avid gardener and passionate wine enthusiast Douglas Haynes of Hawkes Ridge toured us through his family vineyard and cellar door, which sits 200 metres above sea level in Hawke’s Bay. The land, half planted in vines and half in olive trees, is home to a locally-loved cellar door and the Hawkes Ridge wine is part of a popular nationwide wine club.

Last but far from least, Liam Burgess, vineyard manager at Greystone in North Canterbury, shared the unique terrain, high trellis systems, and organic practices that make for an innovative and unique slice of Canterbury paradise.

Also hosted at Greystone this February was the second-ever Underground Festival, celebrating soil, food, and the land it comes from.

This month’s State of the Industry provides a current snapshot of New Zealand’s viticulture sector, with insights from key leaders and contributors helping shape where it’s headed.