Wine Industry Mentor Program

Launched in 2019, the Wine Industry Mentor Program is proudly supported by Wine Communicators of Australia, Adelaide University, Wine Australia, Wine Industry Suppliers Association and the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology. 

The program is a whole of sector initiative aiming to support and inspire the future generations of wine industry professionals by tapping into the experiences and insights from the best in their field. 

The program offers mentoring in most areas of the wine industry including; wine business, wine marketing, media, communications, wine education, winemaking, viticulture and oenology and wine supply management. Having grown over the years, the program now supports over 50 mentees annually.
 
The program boasts Australia’s most highly respected and experienced wine sector leaders, who are passionate about wine and the future of the Australian wine industry. These individuals give their time willingly and voluntarily to support and foster the growth of the Australian wine sector.

The program aims to boost both personal and professional development in future generations of wine industry professionals by giving them the opportunity to:

  • Connect with like-minded, ambitious wine professionals
  • Grow their knowledge from respected wine sector leaders
  • Aspire to be the best they can be through greater clarity of career direction and satisfaction within the wine industry.

 

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM OVERVIEW HERE

 

 

MENTEE APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 PROGRAM ARE NOW CLOSED 

KEY DATES

  • Applications closed on Sunday 19 April 2026.
  • Applications will be reviewed by program partners and successful candidates will be matched with a Mentor.  
  • All applicants will be notified via email no later than Friday 22 May 2026 the outcome of their application (i.e. successful or unsuccessful) 
  • Please keep between 1-2pm (AEST) on 1st June 2026 free in your calendars for the 2026 Launch Event, which all successful mentees need to attend. 
  • Program ends at the end of November and a graduation ceremony will be held at the beginning of December 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the Wine Industry Mentor Program, you must:

  • Be an Australian resident for the duration of the program.
  • Have gained at least two years’ work experience in the wine sector and/or have completed a bachelor or master’s degree in wine-related studies.

See the successful 2026 mentor & mentee cohort HERE

QUESTIONS

If you have questions about the program or the application process, please start by reading through the Frequently Asked Questions  HERE.

If you still have questions, please contact us directly via email; wca@winecommunicators.com.au. 

Testimonials

“When such an amazing group of wine industry leaders is brought together and they have offered their time and their minds to those that wish to follow in their footsteps, it is a really special opportunity. In a year which has featured extraordinary challenges, to come out on the other side feeling like you have gained something special, both professionally and personally, truly is a gift. It is a gift for which I am immensely grateful, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to support others in the same way.”

Leigh Woodrow, Langmeil Wines SA

Leigh Woodrow, Langmeil Wines

“I was fortunate enough to work with and learn from Rob Hirst, a man who has possibly forgotten more about the wine industry than most will ever be able to remember. Rob has provided a very calm and balanced sounding board for me and allowed me to be reassured there is a future in the industry for someone possessing the skills and experiences I have.”

Andrew Schwilk, Cellar Cru, NSW

Andrew Schwilk, Cellar Cru

“It is often hard to get a foothold as you climb your tree of life and I suspect a mentor might just offer one or more of those footholds that get you to the next level; and as a mentor it is a great feeling when you feel you may have contributed even in some small way to someone achieving their goal.”

Gary Baldwin, Wine Network Consulting, NSW

Gary Baldwin, Wine Network Consulting

“The Wine Communicators’ Australia Mentor Program can change lives for the better.

Being a mentor has opened my eyes to the wealth of unaddressed talent just waiting to be recognised and helped early in their careers. I have been fortunate to work with an amazing and talented young woman who has the potential to excel as a wine writer. She has natural talent, a top-rate trained palate, enthusiasm to burn, an intelligent and questioning mind and fantastic writing skills. She’s taking a massive leap of faith, and I see my role as helping her succeed. And she will!”

Jeni Port, Independent Wine Writer, VIC

Jeni Port, Independent Wine Writer

“I recommend the Wine Industry Mentor Program to anyone ambitious and willing to work hard.

My mentor, Max Allen helped my technical writing skills, but also my critical thinking and helped me understand the wine industry even further.

My writing has become really strong and my work is now being published in WBM, Young Gun of Wine + Neue Luxury. I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve through this mentorship and so grateful to my mentor for all his support.”

Mel Gilchrist, Rob Dolan Wines, VIC

Mel Gilchrist, Rob Dolan Wines

“The Mentor program gives you far more back than you put in. We have both challenged each other and from that comes growth and inspiration.”

Gill Gordon-Smith, Fall from Grace, SA

Gill Gordon-Smith, Fall from Grace

“A terrific program that provides advice, sounding, motivation and drive to achieve whatever it is within the wine industry.”

Ben Dolan, Rob Dolan Wines, VIC

Ben Dolan, Rob Dolan Wines

“This program is amazing and champions inclusivity and diversity like no others. I now feel that I can make a positive impact to the wine industry thanks to people believing in my capabilities. It has literally changed my life, and in that I’ve not just found an exceptional mentor, but also a friend for life.”

Lisa Cardelli, Terroir Selections, VIC

Lisa Cardelli, Terroir Selections

“My mentor played an integral role in me gaining new employment within the industry. He worked closely with me to help rebuild my confidence and understand my mindset and the value of my unique skillset.”

Naomi Verdonk, Wine Australia, SA

Naomi Verdonk, Wine Australia

“I’m a small wine business owner, who will now progress my business in both viticulture and production as a result of being part of the program. My mentor is a great man and we’ll definitely keep in touch.“

Sam Pfeiffer, Whistler Wines, SA

Sam Pfieffer, Whistler Wines

 

Program Partners