NZ Agents Return from 39th Annual GrapeFest®

23 September 2025 – Ten New Zealand travel agents have just returned from an unforgettable FAM experience hosted by Fiji Airways and Grapevine, Texas, as part of the 39th annual GrapeFest® – A Texas Wine Experience.

The participating agents were Raya Bryce (Flight Centre Blenheim), Caitlin Thomson (HOT The Square), Princess Roldan (HOT High Street Lanes), Hayley Thompson (YOU Travel Manly), Pauline Gooding (HOT Te Awamutu), Lucy Smith (Flight Centre Lambton Quay), Sophie Shaw (New Zealand Travel Brokers), Jodie McSkimming (Fuzion Travel), Jassu Singh (Flight Centre Riccarton), and Sunny Anand (Travel 2000). They were hosted by Brittany Homan (Fiji Airways) and Tracey Watters (Canuckiwi).

The trip highlighted the direct Fiji Airways service from Nadi (NAN) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). Agents experienced both legs of the journey – travelling from Auckland via Nadi en route to Texas and enjoying a Fijian island stopover on the return.

“This famil helped showcase how easily agents can connect their clients to North Texas through Fiji Airways’ expanding network, while also highlighting the exceptional experiences awaiting them in Grapevine and Fiji,” said Brittany Homan, Fiji Airways Business Development Manager NZ.

During their stay, agents experienced Grapevine, including Historic Main Street, wine tasting rooms, shopping at Grapevine Mills and Historic Nash Farm. They explored standout attractions such as Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal and the Fort Worth Stockyards, while enjoying a range of Texan culinary experiences, including authentic BBQ and local favourites.

Highlights of the 39th annual GrapeFest® included the Grape Stomp competition, People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic and the Grape Gatsby themed evening at Hotel Vin, where the New Zealand contingent fully embraced the 1920s glamour of the event.

For some participants, the convenience of Grapevine came as a welcome surprise. “I was surprised by how close to the airport Grapevine is and how easy it will be to have a short stopover or long transit here. The free shuttle that goes around is also a great service!” said Jodie McSkimming from Fuzion Travel.

When asked what they believe their clients will love most, agents were quick to list Grapevine’s mix of history, events, and entertainment. “The walking tour of Historic Main Street, the vintage train, Meow Wolf, wine tasting at Messina Hof or Winesteins – there’s something for everyone. I’d definitely recommend planning around GrapeFest or checking for other events throughout the year,” said Pauline Gooding of House of Travel.

On their return, the group spent a night at the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa, including a private island-hopping charter in the Mamanuca Islands and a hosted dinner by the resort – a memorable way to wrap up the famil with a taste of Fijian paradise.

Famil trips like this give travel professionals the opportunity to truly experience a destination for themselves, from its attractions and events to its food, wine, and culture. Experiencing it firsthand helps bring the destination to life and creates authentic stories and recommendations for future travellers.

Group at the Champagne Terrace

(L) Grape Gatsby Themed Evening | (R) GrapeStomp

ENDS