WCA Wine Media Cadetship
The 2025 WCA Wine Media Cadetship is now open for applications (South Australian residents only)
The WCA Wine Media Cadetship aims to foster emerging South Australian talent and promote excellence in Australian wine communication. The Program empowers aspiring writers in the field of wine related journalism, enriches South Australia’s pool of skilled wine writers, and create ambassadors to promote Australian wine through media outlets.
The Program achieves this by connecting a ‘non-professional’ person with respected wine writers and industry leaders; providing guidance and a platform to refine skills and deepen wine knowledge; and offering real world experience at established wine publications.
The WCA Wine Media Cadetship is made possible through the support of ‘Great Wine Capitals – Adelaide, South Australia‘, which is comprised of the South Australian Government, SA Wine Industry Association and the University of Adelaide.
See Program Outline and Application Criteria at the bottom of this page.
How to Apply
Application is made in two stages:
- click the button above and complete the online Expression of Interest form.
- Upload content via the Content Form HERE.
The content is either 500 words or a 2 minute video answering the question: “Why is Adelaide a Great Wine Capital of the World?”.
Applicants must complete both stages by the deadline of 13 October 2025.
We look forward to finding the newest SA Wine Media Cadet!
KEY DATES
PAST WINE MEDIA CADETS
2024 – Teri van Aalst. Read media release HERE.
2022/23 – Tijana Laganin. Read media release HERE.
2021 – Amanda Eve. Read media release HERE.
2020 – Lachlan Aird. Read media release HERE.
2019 – Mariette Morris. Read media release HERE.
2018 – Dr. Lieke van der Hulst. Read media release HERE.
2017 – Emily Hay Read media release HERE.
Read articles/blogs written by past cadets here.
TESTIMONIALS
The WCA Wine Media Cadet program was an invaluable experience that provided both confidence in my writing capabilities and genuine connections with the people behind the wines. Often we focus so intently on the end product that we forget the hands each bottle passes – thanks to the WCA Cadetship I was given the tools to hear and share these individual stories. From the motley crew that makes McLaren Vale to a multigenerational viticulturist in Langhorne Creek, I am grateful for the reminder of just how unique our Australian Wine industry is.
“The Wine Communicators Cadetship offered me a rare opportunity to form connections, gain industry insights and develop my communication skills. It opened the door to many unique experiences, including breakfast tastings and behind-the-scenes wine show access. But, most importantly, it inspired me to find my voice and become a more confident and passionate advocate within the industry (and Great Wine Capital) that I adore.”Amanda Eve
“The cadetship helped broaden my network, hone my skills and develop an even greater understanding of the wine industry locally and abroad.
I am a better wine marketer and wine communicator for having taken part.”
“Being a wine media cadet gave me the opportunity to further immerse myself in the the world of wine, as well as find my voice in writing.
“The WCA wine media cadetship has been invaluable to the rapid growth and development of my career in wine communications.
The months spend delving into South Australia’s wine industry have giving me a rare insight into exactly why we are so deserving of the Great Wine Capital title. The generosity, passion and dedication of the people, the awe-inspiring landscapes and commitment to both history and innovation all resulting in spectacular products and evocative stories to tell the world.”
Emily Hay
Program & Application Criteria
The Wine Media Cadet will take part in a customised program, run over 6 month period, and include tailored wine and media experiences.
Download the Program Outline here.
Examples of the type of experiences included in the program include:
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The cadetship is open to an individual residing in South Australia who is currently or was recently working in the wine industry, with an interest in pursuing a career in wine journalism, but are not currently doing paid work in wine journalism.
The Cadet receives no remuneration (but expenses will be reimbursed) and needs to be willing to invest their time in their development. However, the opportunities the Media Cadet Program provides to the Cadet are unparalleled.
The successful Cadet will create multiple pieces of written and digital content according to briefs provided by WCA, Great Wine Capitals and media outlets.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at: exec@winecommunicators.com.au
