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.