Charlotte Newton, owner and winemaker of Cha Cha Wines in Margaret River, has been awarded the Basil Sellers Prize for Dux of the 2026 Len Evans Tutorial.
Charlotte, along with 11 other Australian wine professionals, took part in the 24th Tutorial, held at Spicer’s Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley last week.
As Dux, Charlotte receives $10,000 to further her global wine education.
Originally from New Zealand, Charlotte studied winemaking at Christchurch’s Lincoln University before building her career in Australia and overseas.
Charlotte’s 25-year career has spanned winemaking, viticulture, wine education and sensory evaluation, with 15 years as a WSET educator.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to have been awarded Dux of the 2026 Len Evans Tutorial,” she said.
“To have been accepted into the Tutorial was a privilege in itself, and the experience exceeded all expectations.
“I had the opportunity to taste some of the most exceptional wines of my life, form lasting friendships and learn alongside an inspiring group of wine professionals.
“I will cherish these memories for many years to come and look forward to continuing to share my passion for fine wine through wine education and winemaking.
“Finally, my sincere thanks to the late Len Evans for his vision and to his daughter Sally Evans for continuing his remarkable legacy.”
Selected from a record 193 applications, the 12 scholars represented some of Australia’s most promising wine talent, spanning winemakers, media and trade professionals.
Over an intensive week, they learnt from an exceptional line-up of world-class tutors, gaining the knowledge, skills and experience to help shape the future of Australian wine.
The program aims to strengthen the next generation of wine professionals and wine show judges.
Sarah Crowe, LET tutor and deputy chair said: “As we see each year via the rigorous selection process, performance remained tight across the cohort for the majority of the week and Charlotte was not only consistent, she spoke to the wines with a deep conviction.
“In the final few sessions, this year’s Dux did not falter and was the top performer in the written exercise as well as the final tasting of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.”
Photo: Chris Elfes.
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