Applications for the 2026 Wine Industry Mentor Program are officially open from 25 March to 12 April 2026.
The Wine Industry Mentor Program – a national initiative designed to accelerate the growth and capability of emerging professionals across Australia’s grape and wine sector – returns for another year. Since its inception in 2019, the program has supported nearly 300 early‑career participants, pairing them with respected leaders from every corner of the industry. The 2026 intake is now open to the next wave of aspiring wine professionals, with applications encouraged from all areas of the grape and wine community, including viticulture, winemaking, research, logistics, marketing, sales, hospitality, media, and all other related fields.
Running from June to November 2026, the structured six‑month program includes regular mentor meetings, targeted professional development sessions, and access to a suite of resources via the program’s dedicated online mentoring platform.
Supported by partners Wine Communicators of Australia, Wine Australia, Adelaide University, the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology and the Wine Industry Suppliers Association, the program fosters connection, capability building, and collaboration across the sector.
After it’s successful introduction last year, the program will again offer a small number of international mentors, connecting Australian participants with industry experts from the USA and France.
Participants in the Wine Industry Mentor Program in previous years have reported significant benefits, including career advancement, broader networks, increased confidence, and renewed motivation within their roles and regions. As 2025 participant Hylton Li reflected, “Joining the WCA mentorship program was a career-defining experience. During this program, I was able to qualify for two distinct roles within the wine industry, a goal I wasn’t sure was achievable before we started. Beyond the professional wins, [my mentor] created a space where I felt truly supported. I have invited her to attend my wedding as a testament to how meaningful this relationship has become.”
Another 2025 mentee, Emma Hart, said her mentor “was a key catalyst for significant growth in both my role and career direction”. She continued, “The space you created for reflection helped me move from reactive to proactive thinking, and your encouragement to approach important leadership conversations made a genuine difference and sparked a fire in me that simply wasn’t there before.”
Mentee and Mentor applications can be made through the Wine Communicators of Australia website: https://winecommunicators.com.au/education/wine-industry-mentor-program/
If you are curious about applying but aren’t sure, join the online WCA Mentor Program Q&A Session on Thursday 2nd April, 12.30 – 1pm ACST / 1 – 2pm AEST. Instructions to register on the website link above.
Media Contacts:
Alex Burgener, Marketing Manager, Wine Communicators Australia. wca@winecommunicators.com.au
Lara Pacillo, Media Officer, Adelaide University. lara.pacillo@adelaide.edu.au
Sonya Logan, Communications Manager, Wine Australia. Sonya.Logan@wineaustralia.com
Chris Waters, Executive Officer, Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology. ASVO@asvo.com.au
Liz Schoen, Executive Chair, Wine Industry Suppliers Association. executivechair@wisa.org.au