This year’s New Zealand Winegrowers Mentoring Programme is underway with the mentors ready to share industry knowledge with this year’s group of mentees.

The annual programme aims to match an experienced and knowledgeable mentor with a mentee who is wanting to progress themselves in the wine industry. It is open to everyone in the New Zealand wine industry working in all roles including viticulture, winemaking, operations, laboratory, sales, marketing, cellar door and general management. 

The 2024 mentors are: Mike Horton (Indevin); Mick Hudson (Nga Waka); Lesley Boon (Pernod-Ricard); Patricia Miranda-Taylor (Wither Hills); Matt Patterson-Green (Benton Wines); Peter McLeod (Farmgate); and Rachel Petrie (Otago Polytechnic). 

NZ Winegrowers says that the programme has seen some real success stories over the years and both mentors and mentees gain a lot from the programme as it sparks pride, passion and positivity. “It was great to see the industry and world through the eyes of a younger person. They have a different perspective,” said one of the 2023 Mentors.

The mentors all volunteer their time and expertise to help their mentee grow. “It’s so uplifting to see people wanting to help others,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers, “and a true demonstration of how working together helps strengthen the New Zealand wine industry as a whole.”