MEDIA RELEASE: 5 June 2025
Wine Industry Mentor Program 2025: Successful participants announced
Fifty-four early and mid-career professionals from across the wine sector in all six States have today been announced as the fortunate individuals joining the 2025 Wine Industry Mentor Program.
The full list of the Mentees accepted into the 2025 program is available here.
An annual program, now in its 7th year, the Wine Industry Mentor Program supports and inspires future generations of wine industry professionals by offering them mentoring from leaders of the sector from across the supply chain. The program will run over 6-months from June to November 2025.
A whole-of-sector initiative, the program is supported by the University of Adelaide, Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO), Wine Australia, Wine Industry Suppliers Association (WISA) and Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA). The partners were delighted with the strong interest in the program this year and noted the diversity and impressive quality of all applicants.
The successful candidates include a broad range of marketers, winemakers, viticulturists, researchers, wine students, and wine retailers, adding value across many sectors of the wine industry. The program will give them the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, grow their confidence and skills, and be inspired to be the best that they can be by some of the most respected leaders in the wine industry.
Lynda Schenk, National Chair, WCA said, “The Wine Industry Mentor Program continues to be one of the most important initiatives in developing mid and early career talent and strengthening capability across the Australian grape and wine sector. This year marks an exciting evolution with the inclusion of three international Mentors for the first time, highlighting the growing global relevance of the program. It reflects the calibre of both our Mentees and Mentors and positions the Australian wine community as not only one of tradition but also of innovation and leadership on the world stage.”
The program partners thank the Mentors who are giving their time willingly and voluntarily to support and foster the growth of the Australian wine sector. A list of the 2025 Mentors is available here.
Media Contacts:
Ruth Harris, Executive Officer, Wine Communicators Australia. Mobile: +61 419 833 281. Email: exec@winecommunicators.com.au
Lara Pacillo, Media Officer, The University of Adelaide. Email: lara.pacillo@adelaide.edu.au
Sonya Logan, Communications Manager Research and Innovation, Wine Australia. Email: Sonya.Logan@wineaustralia.com
Chris Waters, Executive Officer, Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology. Email: ASVO@asvo.com.au
Liz Schoen, Executive Chair, Wine Industry Suppliers Association. Email: executivechair@wisa.org.au
Editors Notes:
About Wine Communicators of Australia Wine Communicators of Australia aims to be Australia’s pre-eminent organisation connecting business professionals working with wine and currently has more than 500 members. WCA’s annual program includes networking events, webinars and its prestigious lunches in association with three major capital city wine shows – Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. It also runs the annual Wine Communicator Awards and Legend of the Vine Awards. For more information visit www.winecommunicators.com.au
About the University of Adelaide The University of Adelaide is a world-class research and teaching institution. It is centred on discovering new knowledge, pursuing innovation and preparing the educated leaders of tomorrow. The University of Adelaide has pushed the boundaries in wine education, delivering innovative and transformative courses in viticulture, oenology and wine business, and producing a network of alumni that have gone on to make a real-world impact in the world of wine. With a unique emphasis on both the production and sales aspects of wine, the University’s Viticulture and Oenology and Wine Business programs are tailored for a career in the industry. For more information visit www.business.adelaide.edu.au/wine
About Wine Australia Wine Australia empowers the success of the Australian wine sector through Research, Innovation and Adoption to enhance global competitiveness and meet the challenges of tomorrow, today; Market Development to increase the demand and premium paid for Australian wine; and Regulatory Services to safeguard Australian wine’s integrity and uphold the sector’s reputation.
Wine Australia is funded by the sector, for the sector, through grapegrower, winemaker and exporter levies and user-pays charges, with matching funds from the Australian Government for research and innovation. Established under the Wine Australia Act 2013, it is a Commonwealth Government statutory authority.
About Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology was founded in 1980 as a non-political organisation to serve the interests of practicing winemakers and viticulturists by encouraging the exchange of technical information. The Society has held over 40 one-day seminars since it was established and, in conjunction with The Australian Wine Research Institute, organises the Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference every three years. The Society has awarded over 20 scholarships for research and international study visits. Membership now exceeds 700 individuals and affiliated companies.
About Wine Industry Suppliers Association WISA – Wine Industry Suppliers Association, champions the wine sector supply chain. As an enabler of amplified engagement, WISA provides a collective voice for businesses to have market access and a strong influence for commercial impact. For producers, across viticulture, wine production, sales and tourism, WISA connects solutions and innovations. Initiatives include WineTech Exhibition (delivered in partnership with AWITC & Expertise Events), WIIC – Wine Industry Impact Conference, WIIA – Wine Industry Impact Awards, FOMENT accelerator program, Regional grower days and seminars, Networking functions, Working Groups, Advocacy and representation at Unified/ AdvanceAg/ EvokeAg/ AGW/ Sustainable Roundtable.