New Zealand Wine Honors 5 Industry Champions

New Zealand is celebrating the people who transformed its wine from a local secret into an international sensation.

New Zealand Winegrowers announced five new Fellows in its 2026 honors list, recognizing individuals whose decades of work put Kiwi wine on the world map. The peer-nominated group will be inducted at a ceremony in Wellington this August.

The honorees represent different corners of the industry, but they share one thing: an unwavering commitment to making New Zealand wine exceptional. Their combined efforts span viticulture, sustainability, education, global promotion, and governance.

Kevin Judd earned recognition for dual talents that captured the world's attention. As founding winemaker at Cloudy Bay and later founder of Greywacke, he crafted wines that defined New Zealand's style. His photography brought the vineyards, regions, and people to life in images that traveled as far as the wines themselves.

Lynnette Hudson dedicated over 25 years to sharing her Pinot Noir expertise through the Southern Pinot Noir Workshop. Her generosity in teaching and industry leadership helped raise the bar for winemaking across the country.

Rex Sunde championed sustainable practices long before they became trendy. His work on the Vineyard Spray Schedule and roles with New Zealand Winegrowers and Organic Winegrowers New Zealand helped the industry grow responsibly.

Philip Gregan spent 43 years serving the organization, including 35 as Chief Executive Officer. He steered the industry toward export success and navigated complex international trade relationships. After retiring in June 2026, he leaves behind an industry that's recognized worldwide.

Sam Neill brought something unexpected: Hollywood star power with genuine passion. The internationally acclaimed actor used his profile to promote New Zealand wine with authenticity and warmth, introducing global audiences to the stories behind the bottles.

The Ripple Effect

These five champions didn't just make great wine. They built an entire ecosystem of education, sustainability practices, and global relationships that lifted countless other winemakers. When Hudson taught at workshops, she created better winemakers. When Gregan negotiated trade deals, he opened doors for small vineyards. When Neill talked about New Zealand wine on international stages, he gave voice to an entire community.

Their work proves that industries thrive when leaders share knowledge generously instead of hoarding it. The next generation of New Zealand winemakers inherits not just vineyards, but a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Fabian Yukich, Chair of New Zealand Winegrowers, captured it perfectly: "They leave a lasting legacy for the next generation of winegrowers."