At Cuisine, we are continually inspired by the remarkable food-and-drink achievements happening across New Zealand, particularly those led by women. This issue, our profiles of Women in Food and Drink are an homage to those in the wine sector of the hospitality industry. In August 2025, the Top 100 sommeliers in New Zealand were named and each of the women featured here were on that list. To be named a top sommelier is an acknowledgement of hard work, dedication and a true love for the job, which all of these wāhine have in spades. We invite women in the food-and-drink industry to join us at  wifd.co.nz

Written by Mia Bennett

Leah Kirkland
Beverage manager & sommelier, Emett Group

Leah Kirkland’s name may already sound familiar, as she’s a well-known face in Auckland’s beverage scene, currently serving as group beverage manager for the Emett Group’s restaurants Onslow, Gilt Brasserie and The Oyster Inn. While her hospitality career began in Auckland – and she’s been back here since 2020 – her work shaping wine programmes has also taken her across the globe, including helping to guide renowned restaurateur Adam Byatt’s team in London for many years. In August 2025, Leah earned the prestigious title of New Zealand’s top sommelier, a well-deserved achievement in which she can rightly take immense pride. “In hospitality, in service and in the wine industry, we are constantly connecting with people that share a like-minded passion and curiosity. While I certainly spend a large amount of time curating lists, tasting new products with inspiring producers and poring over spreadsheets, it’s the great people around me who keep me engaged and inspired to succeed.” Leah embodies what it means to be a trailblazer, a title she wears with absolute merit.

Instagram @therealleahkirkland_

Nora Blackburne
Sommelier & restaurant co-owner, Embra 

Latvian-born Nora Blackburne is a true standout in the food-and-beverage scene. With more than 15 years in the hospitality industry, Nora first discovered her passion at the Michelin-starred Castle Terrace Restaurant in Edinburgh, Scotland. During her time there she gained valuable experience across every facet of restaurant life, from food-and-wine service to back-of-house operations and administration, ultimately uncovering her enduring love of wine. Now Nora calls Taupō home, where she runs the award-winning restaurant Embra alongside her husband, chef Phillip Blackburne. Being named one of the top five female sommeliers in New Zealand for 2025 has meant the world to her. “I always struggle calling myself a sommelier as such, so having this kind of recognition for my work at Embra is such an honour for what is a subjective expression of my love for wine.” Nora acknowledges that the past year has been particularly challenging for New Zealand hospitality and reflects that overcoming self-doubt and finding the resilience and strength to keep moving forward is something she’s proud of and grateful for.

Instagram @embra.nz
Facebook @embra.restaurant

Larissa Muller
Sommelier, Palate

Originally from Brazil, Larissa grew up in the beverage world as her mum is a beer sommelier and her dad a master brewer. However, a career in beer never struck her fancy; it was wine that was destined to capture her attention. Larissa’s Kiwi hospitality career began in Queenstown in 2006, and it was when she began working at Hamilton’s Palate in 2013 that her love of wine really came to the fore. “Mat McLean unintentionally challenged me, his amazing palate sparked something.” The hospitality industry has been nothing short of transformative for Larissa, leaving an impact that extends beyond what words alone can express. “It helps me have a sense of purpose. Having grappled with depression in the last few years, having people enjoy what we offer as the result of our hard work means I go home each night with a sense of accomplishment that makes getting up the next morning to do it again easier.” Larissa describes her achievements – including being the recipient of Cuisine’s 2024 Sommelier & Wine Experience of the Year award and being named one of New Zealand’s top five women sommeliers for 2025 – as both humbling, and a spur to carry on.

Instagram @Larissa_G_Muller
palate.nz

Liz Buttimore
Sommelier & restaurant co-owner, Arbour 

For Liz Buttimore, being named one of New Zealand’s top five sommeliers for 2025 is a remarkable achievement, made even more special by sharing a place in the Top 100 alongside her sommelier partner, Benji Smith. Liz approaches each day with a strong sense of pride in her work, guided by a deep belief in the power of connection. Creating a safe and welcoming space has never been more important, as Liz recognises how essential human connection has become. In her eyes, restaurants are more than just places to dine; they are spaces where people come together to celebrate, to find comfort, and to share life’s most meaningful moments. “There are so many things I love about this industry. At the core of it, I love working with people and making a real difference in their lives. Seeing new guests come in wide-eyed after finding this warm, welcoming, hidden country restaurant. Hugging regular guests at the door and being a part of their milestones and events.” Beyond her roles as co-owner, operator and sommelier, Liz is a passionate advocate for animals, volunteering with Marlborough Four Paws and serving on industry and business boards.

Instagram @arbourdining

Jacqueline Jubel
Sommelier and wine bar owner, The Cellar Dunedin

Jacqueline Jubel is a Dunedin-based sommelier and wine professional who currently manages No.7 Balmac, serves as sommelier at Piccolo, and has recently brought her own vision to life as the owner and sommelier of her new venture, The Cellar Dunedin — a truly admirable powerhouse! Connection is at the core of her approach to hospitality and it’s something she genuinely loves: “Through food and drink, you have the power to lift someone’s day or week even!” Equally, she takes joy in sharing her passion for wine, bringing both knowledge and enthusiasm to every table she serves. Over the past year, Jacqueline has celebrated a string of achievements, further establishing herself as a dynamic force in New Zealand’s wine scene. “This past year is one of my proudest. Earlier this year I walked the graduation stage in London for my Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma in Wine, and I was involved as senior judge in two Wine Awards in New Zealand. Most recently I was included in the Top 100 Sommeliers of New Zealand. Being named in the top five female sommeliers of the country is on the same level as opening my own wine space, The Cellar Dunedin.”

Instagram @what.i.am.drinking
@thecellardunedin

Are you driving a project for change or do you want to shine a light on inspiring women working within our varied food-and-drink landscape? Would you like to join and build a community to connect all women in food and drink across the country? Head to wifd.co.nz to become a member of a group that will help us to support each other as we share ideas and knowledge.