Famous wine tutorial reveals next 12 scholars

The twelve scholars for the 2026 Len Evans Tutorial in the Hunter Valley in November have been announced.

They join more than 270 Tutorial alumni to receive invaluable training and education designed to elevate their contribution to the Australian wine show system, nurture future industry leaders and develop better all-round wine professionals.

This was Len Evans’ vision and the legacy of the LET, with the five residential days often dubbed ‘the greatest wine school in the world’.

Last year’s Dux, Andrew Bretherton, head winemaker at WA’s Juniper Estate summed up his experience: “It was the greatest wine week of my life.”

2026 Scholars

Alexandra Alavoine
Winemaker, Treasury Wine Estates (SA)

Jessica Clark
Wine Science tutor, University of Melbourne; sales, marketing and winemaking, Dexter Wines (Victoria)

Jacopo Dalli Cani
Chief winemaker, McHenry Hohnen Vintners (WA)

Alice Davidson
Owner and winemaker, Aunt Alice Wines (Tasmania)

Brendan Hawker
Senior winemaker, Yering Station (Victoria)

Annabel Holland
Senior winemaker, First Creek Wines (NSW)

Jacinta Jenkins
Winemaker, Pocket Gully (SA)

Tom Kline
Wine writer and critic (Victoria)

Mike Latham
Senior winemaker, Giant Steps Wine (Victoria)

Livia Maiorana
Co-owner and winemaker, South by South West Wines (WA)

Charlotte Newton
Owner and winemaker, Cha Cha Wines; WSET educator (WA)

Emma Shaw
General manager and winemaker, Collector Wines (NSW)

LET Board chair Sally Evans said, “193 applications were received this year – a record – with women making up two thirds of this year’s final Scholar list, the highest ever.

“The selection panel continues to be overwhelmed by the quality and volume of applications,” she said.

“It’s a privilege to read each one, and we often follow the career progress of applicants over several years.

“As we can only welcome 12 Scholars annually, persistence – sometimes across multiple applications – is often what it takes.”

The 24th Tutorial will be held at Spicer’s Guesthouse from November 2-6.

Photo: Top row, from left: Alexandra Alavoine, Jess Clark, Jacopo Dalli Cani and Alice Davidson. Middle row, from left: Brendan Hawker, Annabel Holland, Jacinta Jenkins and Tom Kline. Bottle row, from left: Mike Latham, Livia Maiorana, Charlotte Newton and Emma Shaw.

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