A MESSAGE FROM CHAIR OF JUDGES, JANE COOPER

It is my great pleasure to return as Chair of Judges for 2025. The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand recognise, identify and celebrate excellence in New Zealand wine. We are proud to have assembled a fantastic team of judges from many parts of the wine profession that reflect the diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds our industry needs to continue to evolve and be agile in a rapidly changing world.

Soon we will be tasked with the privilege of judging some of New Zealand’s best wines. Our team is ready and excited for this challenge, and we look forward to celebrating our industry’s success with you soon.

  • Nat Christensen, Panel Lead

    PANEL LEADERS 2025

    Nat Christensen

    Matt Kirby

    Greg Lane

    & James Rowan - Deputy Chair

  • Senior Judges

    SENIOR JUDGES 2025

    Michael Turner

    Jackie Jubel

    Stu Marfell

    Murray Cook

    Sammy Wilkinson

  • Judging

    ASSOCIATE JUDGES 2025

    Hiroyuki Kawahara

    Ina Yoon

    Tim Reeves-Bird

    Wikus Potgeiter

    Andrea Martinisi

    Jordan Robinson

    Kolja Lange

    Alex Shchepetkin