The 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival In Seoul: What You Missed
Last Updated on May 10, 2025
The 25th New Zealand Wine Festival just wrapped up in Seoul, and if you were there, you know it was one for the books. Held under the theme “Journey & Friendship,” this year’s event was all about celebrating how far New Zealand wine has come and the connections it continues to spark between Korea and New Zealand. Great wine, great food, warm vibes, and a few surprises thanks to the gray skies outside.
Here’s what you missed at the 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival in Seoul, Korea:
- The Location
- The Wine
- The Food
- Beer Lovers Aren’t Left Out
- The Entertainment
- The Prizes
- Next Stop: Busan!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)
The Location
As usual, the event took place and the always welcoming Grand Hyatt Hotel, however, unlike previous years, it was moved indoors to the Grand Ballroom thanks to a moody spring chill. No complaints though, the venue was cozy, elegant, and buzzing with wine lovers.
The Wine
Over 20 New Zealand wineries showed up, bringing bottles you won’t easily find in Korea. Reds, whites, classics, and limited-editions, there was something for every palate. The great thing about the event is that attendees are a mixture of oenophile that are looking to try specific wines and fun-loving friends that are looking for a fun night.
The mix makes for a comfortable experience for anyone whether you’re new to the wine scene or have been enjoying events like this for years.
A few highlights:
- Heaphy Vineyards: From the South Island, they were pouring a refreshing Savignon Blanc, a juicy Pinot Noir, and a floral Riesling from their Moutere Range. (Fun fact: Their vines go back to 1973!)
- Miha Wines: Located near the Tararua Mountains on the North Island, they were featuring vibrant, fruit-forward Sauvignon Blancs with grapes nourished by 100% natural river water.
The Food
Wine’s best friend is good food, and the buffet provided by Grand Hyatt Hotel did not hold back. Lamb skewers, grilled meats, a cheese table that would make your jaw drop, and a salad, dessert spread with both Korean and Kiwi flair. We’re talking Pavlova, Lamingtons, and the nostalgic Louis cake, a shortbread base topped with raspberry jam and coconutty meringue.
Beer Loves Aren’t Left Out
Busan’s own Gorilla Brewing Company brought their signature craft brews, including a Kimchi beer, yes, really, made in collaboration with Narichan, a Jeolla-based kimchi-producer. Unexpected? Absolutely. But it worked.
The Entertainment
Live performances always bring so much energy to this event. Local performers shared powerful Māori and Pacific Island dances, including a Haka that got some festival-goers, including local Kiwi Chamber members, on their feet and joining in.
The Prizes
No festival is complete without a little thrill, and here is comes in the form of a raffle that doesn’t disappoint. Prizes ranged from restaurant vouchers and local goods to toothpaste sets. But the grand prize was a free trip to New Zealand, courtesy of Singapore Airlines, which of course had the whole room buzzing.
Next Step: Busan!
If you missed the event in Seoul, the next stop is Busan on May 24th! Bringing all of the wine, fun, and friendly vibes to Korea’s southern coast, the New Zealand Wine Festival is a fantastic spot for newbies and seasoned sippers so get your tickets now!
Did you like this post? Pin iT now!
