02/09/2026
PEOPLE OF PALLISER | Belen
Fresh from being named one of New Zealand's top wine professionals, we're incredibly proud to celebrate Belen, who last night was named in the top 50 of the Champagne Louis Roederer Top 100 Sommeliers New Zealand 2026.
Alongside her passion for wine, Belen brings passion, humour, care, warmth, curiosity and a genuine gift for hospitality to every guest experience at Palliser. Here's more of what makes our amazing Belen tick!
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What's your favourite Palliser wine + film pairing?
Palliser Sauvignon Blanc + Moana. Bright, energetic, a little wild, and impossible not to smile at.
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Greatest wine myth you'd like to debunk?
That you need to know a lot of technical stuff about wine to enjoy wine - you don't. If it makes you smile, you're already doing it right.
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Best piece of wine career advice you've received?
People might forget what wine you poured them, or what vintage it was, but they'll always remember how you made them feel.
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If you weren't working in the wine industry, what would you be doing?
Professional aquarium mermaid. Swimming with fish and chatting to kids through the glass in sign language. If that job exists in New Zealand, Pip, please don't be surprised when I ask for school holiday leave!!
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Ultimate wine experience on your bucket list?
Eight years ago, I said my dream wine destination was New Zealand. Today I work at a Martinborough winery, so I'd say I'm ticking off my bucket list dreams pretty well.
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If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Walt Disney. I'd love to know how many ideas sounded completely ridiculous before they became brilliant.
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Brava, Belen! To be recognised among New Zealand's Top 50 Sommeliers is an incredible achievement, and a reflection of the joy, knowledge and hospitality you bring to Palliser every day. We're so proud to have you on the team. And congrats to all those acknowledged in the Top 100 Sommeliers NZ 2026.
Keep an eye on our socials for more on the people who make Palliser what it is.