Ten emerging winemakers, viticulturists, sommeliers, researchers and communicators have been selected from more than 120 applicants to receive Wine Australia bursaries to attend the 2027 Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium in Adelaide in April.
They are:
Cyndal Petty – Wine writer, critic and presenter, Margaret River
Eleanor Bilogrevic – Sensory scientist and PhD candidate, AWRI and Adelaide University
Emily Spinaze – Winemaker and consultant, Glover Wines, Hunter Valley
Lucy Adam – Vineyard operator, Kooyong Wines, Port Phillip Estate, Mornington Peninsula
Lucy Austen-Paine – Assistant winemaker, Blue Pyrenees Estate, Pyrenees
Michelle Li – Winemaker, Knappstein Wines, Clare Valley
Natasha Perry – Cellar hand, Henschke Wines, Barossa Valley
Nina Throsby – Group sommelier, Kailis Hospitality Group, Perth
Nuno Frias – Portfolio winemaker, Australian Vintage Ltd, Mildura
Rhys Baker – General manager, Swinging Bridge Wines, Orange
Over four days next April, they will take part in tastings, discussions and shared experiences alongside international industry leaders and Masters of Wine, exploring everything from how wine connects with new generations to how regions respond to climate change and sustainability challenges.
Orange-based industry leader Rhys Baker sees the experience as a chance to strengthen the role of regional Australia within those conversations.
“I’m passionate about seeing regional Australian wine represented with confidence on the world stage,” Rhys says.
“I’m looking forward to learning from global leaders in wine and bringing those insights back into the training, tastings and conversations I lead here in Orange.”
South Australian researcher Eleanor Bilogrevic said the opportunity will help connect Australian expertise to global thinking at a critical time for the industry.
“Having these conversations take place here in Australia creates an exciting opportunity to build on our strong contribution to the global conversation shaping the future of wine and wine products,” she says.
“I’m excited to explore new ideas and perspectives that will help inform the next generation of wine research and innovation.”
Emma Symington MW, Head of Education – EMEA for Wine Australia and IMW Symposium co-chair, was part of the bursary selection panel and said the strength of the applications highlights a confident and capable future for the sector.
“We saw outstanding applications from across the country and across every part of the value chain,” she says.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many early and mid-career professionals ready to engage in global conversations and contribute to the future of Australian wine.
“This cohort brings curiosity, capability and a genuine commitment to sharing what they learn and we’re genuinely excited to see what they bring to the Symposium discussions.”
The bursary covers full Symposium attendance and includes a travel contribution where applicable, enabling participation regardless of location.