Dunedin sommelier and new wine-bar owner, Jacqueline Jubel, has been named the 2025 Visa New Zealand Hospitality Scholarship winner, recognised for her outstanding commitment, leadership and passion for the industry.
Jubel is the third recipient of the scholarship, which was launched in 2023 by Visa in partnership with the Wellington Culinary Events Trust to nurture the next generation of Aotearoa’s hospitality talent.
The annual prize includes a five-day international placement with flights and accommodation, access to a major industry event, a year-long mentorship, personal brand coaching, a wellbeing support package, and the chance to run an event at Visa Wellington On a Plate 2026.
Jubel opened her pop-up Dunedin wine bar, The Cellar, in June and also manages No7 Balmac, where she’s worked for seven years.
She says her hospitality career started “almost by accident”, working in restaurants to improve her English while on her working holiday visa.
“I started working while travelling in New Zealand as a way to meet people – it’s a great way to connect with locals and experience a new culture,” she says.
“What started as a job quickly turned into a passion for creating memorable dining experiences, with guests leaving delighted and smiling.”
After falling in love with New Zealand wineries and vineyards, Jubel then went on to study wine and gain sommelier qualifications while in NZ from the UK, US, Germany and NZ. This was the third year she had applied for the scholarship and describes the feeling of winning as “surreal”.
The judges praised Jubel’s well-rounded understanding of what it takes to run a business.
“Jackie’s willingness to branch out beyond wine and beverages – and the way she’s approached her recent pop-up [The Cellar] – showed us she understands the full scope of running a business. She’s absolutely ready for this opportunity,” says judge Joshua Ross.
Jubel says she is excited about what comes next, including the overseas placement and the opportunity to grow the sector, which she says has generosity at its heart.
“Great hospitality is all about fostering curiosity, confidence, and connection, and opportunities like this scholarship are how we continue building the knowledge to create that experience.”
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Dining and Cooking