The inaugural Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program has officially wrapped up, marking the growing collaboration between the Australian and Chinese wine industries.
Over the past three weeks, three Chinese winemakers – Gao Yujie, Miao Chengpeng and Xue Churan, together with Master’s student Ding Weikang – have been immersed in South Australia’s wine industry.
They’ve explored innovative winemaking and sustainable practices, had hands-on production experiences with local winemaking and viticulture teams during vintage, and discovered the cellar door and regional tourism experiences that make Adelaide one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals – a network of 12 internationally-renowned wine regions.
During their time in South Australia, the participants worked alongside Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) teams in the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Magill Estate, and spent time at The University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) – providing a range of practical and theoretical applications of cutting-edge innovations and sustainability efforts shaping the industry.
“Over these last 20 days we have experienced a lot but there are two key aspects that I think will influence our industry in China,” winemmaker Luna Churan said.
“The first is sustainability, which I’ve learnt is not what we’re doing now but what we’re creating for the future.
“The second aspect is cooperation, and I’ve seen first-hand how this helps create such a strong wine industry in Australia.”
The program has also been supported by the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) and Wine Australia, which delivered sessions focused on research and development priorities, and the future growth and sustainability of the industry.
The program’s achievements were celebrated at a wrap-up event at Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide, attended by representatives from program partners including Jo Collins, executive director, Industry, Strategy and Partnerships from South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries & Regions; and Lee McLean, CEO of Australian Grape & Wine, who reflected on the program’s success and the benefits of international industry collaboration.
TWE Chief Supply & Sustainability Officer Kerrin Petty commended the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm.
“This program is about more than just sharing technical expertise – it has fostered relationships, cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of our shared passion for wine,” Kerrin said.
“Ding, Gigi, Miao and Luna have shown an incredible commitment to learning and exploration, and I’m confident the knowledge and experiences they’ve gained will drive continued innovation and success in China’s growing wine industry.
“I’m proud of the role TWE has played in supporting this pioneering industry program to nurture the next generation of international winemaking talent.
“I want to thank the members of our team who generously shared their knowledge to make it such a meaningful experience for the participants.”
Beyond the technical knowledge exchange, the program encouraged dialogue between industry professionals, researchers and business leaders, paving the way for continued collaboration.
The program has been created by Australian Grape & Wine and the China Alcoholic Drinks Association, with support from the South Australian Government, TWE and COFCO’s Wines & Spirits division.
The program will be replicated in China later this year, with Australian winemakers heading to China’s winemaking regions to experience the vintage process first-hand and develop a deeper understanding of the local wine industry.
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