John Belsham

Often described as the leading man of New Zealand wine, John Belsham began his winemaking career in Bordeaux, where he developed the technical foundation and philosophical approach that would shape a lifetime of innovation. Today, he stands among New Zealand’s most influential winemakers — a founder, strategist, and global thought leader whose work bridges fine wine, business strategy, and future-facing technology.

An international winemaker, consultant, and critic, Belsham has guided some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most successful wine companies. He leads Wine Focus, a consultancy specialising in business strategy, technical winemaking, sensory evaluation, M&A advisory, and due diligence. His expertise includes winery design, operational systems, and water-flow engineering, with projects across France, Australia, and New Zealand.

Belsham is also the founder of Marlborough Oak Imports, the exclusive New Zealand representative for Tonnellerie Dargaud & Jaeglé, one of France’s most esteemed artisanal coopers. Through this partnership he has helped elevate barrel quality, maturation standards, and stylistic precision across the New Zealand wine industry.

A recognised industry innovator, Belsham led the transformative New Zealand Screw Cap Initiative, shifting 95% of the country’s wine industry from cork to screw cap within 18 months — a movement now studied globally for its strategic disruption and consumer impact. He continues to advise on emerging AI-driven tools that enhance viticulture, quality management, and predictive modelling for global market performance.

One of Australasia’s most experienced wine judges and critics, he served as Air New Zealand's wine consultant for 20 years and as lead wine critic for Cuisine Magazine for 16 years, helping define national standards of quality and shaping the direction of premium New Zealand wine.

Fluent in French and English, Belsham is a sought-after commentator across international media, film, and keynote events, known for his ability to connect the worlds of fine wine, strategic innovation, craftsmanship, and global business with clarity and authority.