There were cheers and tears as the Australian wine industry came together on Saturday night to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Australian Women in Wine (AWIW).
Held at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide on the eve of the Technical Conference, the gala drew a capacity crowd of 340 guests.
Founder Jane Thomson OAM described it as the wine industry event of the decade.
“It became one of the most significant and emotional nights in the organisation’s decade-long history,” she says.
The evening was formally opened by Frances Adamson, Governor of South Australia, who acknowledged the vital contribution of women to the nation’s wine story and the importance of continuing progress on gender equity across the industry.
The event also featured keynote addresses from two of the most respected voices in wine and media – Jancis Robinson OBE MW and Annabel Crabb.
“Their thought-provoking and entertaining speeches reflected on the achievements of women in wine, the challenges still ahead, and the power of collective action in shaping a more equitable industry,” Thomson says.
The evening was also a poignant farewell to Jane Thomson OAM, who officially stepped down after ten years at the helm.
Widely credited with transforming the conversation around gender equality in Australian wine, Thomson’s final event was met with heartfelt tributes and a standing ovation.
“This night wasn’t just a celebration – it was a milestone in Australian wine history,” says Thomson.
“When we launched Australian Women in Wine in 2015, there was no national platform dedicated to championing women in our industry.
“Now, ten years on, we’ve created real visibility, sparked tangible change, and built a community that I know will carry this work forward.”
Established in 2015, AWIW has spent the past decade creating initiatives, awards, and events that spotlight the contributions of women across all areas of the wine industry – from viticulture and winemaking to marketing, research, and leadership.
The evening also acknowledged the ongoing evolution of the organisation, with the announcement that is in the process of transitioning to a not-for-profit entity.
A new board is currently being appointed to lead AWIW into its next chapter.
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