Twelve chosen for ‘greatest wine school in the world’

The 12 Australian wine professionals who will take part in the 23rd Len Evans Tutorial in the Hunter Valley in November have been announced.

They were chosen from a record 189 applications. They are:

Andrew Bretherton – Head winemaker, Juniper Estate
Matt Buchan – Senior winemaker, Deep Woods Estate
Sophie Carbonneau – Senior buyer, Bibendum Wine Co
Monica Gray – Head winemaker, See Saw Wine
Brock Harrison – Winemaker, Elderton Wines
Xanthe Hatcher – Chief winemaker, Agnew Wines
Dr Mark Krstic – Managing director, The Australian Wine Research Institute
Phillip LeMessurier – Winemaker/owner, Corduroy Wines
Jeremy Nascimben – Winemaker, Mount Majura Vineyard
Katie Spain – Freelance writer
Jacob Stein –Managing director, Robert Stein Winery
Nina Throsby – Group sommelier, Kailis Hospitality Group

The 12 successful scholars will 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 is the legacy of the Tutorial and Len Evans’ vision with the five residential days often coined ‘the greatest wine school in the world’.

In December 2024, Jancis Robinson MW, said on her eponymous website in relation to the Tutorial: “It’s difficult to think of a wine-producing country that takes more trouble to educate up-and-coming wine professionals, certainly winemakers, than Australia.”

LET board chair Sally Evans says, “A very gratifying response rate indeed, with the selection panel struggling to separate the top 20 applicants.

“It’s wonderful to see such quality and enthusiasm coming from across the industry and country.

“As usual the task of creating a balanced and cohesive scholar list takes much time and thought, and we are delighted with this year’s line-up.

“The board encourages all those who were unsuccessful to continue to refine their skills and reapply in 2026.”

Foundation sponsors are Brokenwood, Leeuwin Estate, Mount Pleasant, Shaw + Smith, Tahbilk, Tyrrell’s Vineyards and Yalumba.

2025 sponsors are Cullen Wines, Deep Woods Estate, De Iuliis Wines, Evans Family, Handpicked Wines, Joval, Merivale, Melbourne Royal Wine Show, National Wine Show, Riedel, Royal Adelaide Wine Show, Royal Queensland Awards, Sydney Royal Wine Show, Spicers Guesthouse, Tapanappa, Torbreck Vintners, Treasury Wine Estates, Wine Ark, Yarra Yering, Yangarra Estate Vineyard and Vasse Felix.

Founding tutor James Halliday AM joins philanthropist Basil Sellers AM as Patron of the Len Evans Tutorial.

The Len Evans Tutorial was founded by Len Evans AO OBE in 2001.

It is a not-for-profit organisation funded entirely by donations and sponsorships from companies and individuals related to the wine industry.

All tutors and pourers volunteer their time each year to run the Tutorial.

Board members are Sally Evans (chair), Tom Carson, Samantha Connew, Sarah Crowe, Michael Hill Smith AM MW and Iain Riggs AM.

Photo – Top row, from left: Andrew Bretherton, Brock Harrison, Jacob Stein and Jeremy Nascimben.
Middle row, from left: Katie Spain, Matt Buchan, Mark Krstic and Monica Gray.
Bottom row, from left: Nina Throsby, Phil LeMessurier, Sophie Carbonneau and Xanthe Hatcher.