The 2024 Len Evans Tutorial board has announced the 12 Australian wine professionals that will be partaking in the program’s 22nd year. Chosen out of 165 applicants were nine winemakers, one venue owner, one consultant, and one wine writer. 

Chair of the Len Evans Tutorial Board Sally Evans said, “the Selection Panel was once again knocked out by the calibre of applicants, with a stellar short list that made the final twelve the topic of much discussion as we aim to create a balanced group from across the industry and the country.”

South Australia came out as the most represented state with five of the candidates, followed by Victoria and New South Wales each with three, and Western Australia with the final available slot. 

“The Board encourages all those who were unsuccessful to continue to refine their skills and reapply in 2025,” said Evans.

First founded in 2001, the Len Evans tutorial has been described as ‘the greatest wine school on earth,’ and functions as a not-for-profit organisaiton funded entirely by industry donations and sponsorships. In the past, attendees have proceeded to become wine show chairs and senior wine judges, industry leaders and better wine professionals.

In 2023, Bondar Wines winemaker Andre Bondar was named as the recipient of the Basil Sellers Prize for Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial. 

"I do feel incredibly honoured and proud to receive the Dux Award," he said.

Reflecting on the Len Evans Tutorial, Bondar added: “it was every bit as incredible as expected, with great wine after great wine blowing our minds. Every time we walked nervously into the judging room or dinner hall, there was a palpable energy in the air; it was magical. Listening to the tutors discuss the wine and then interrogate us on our thoughts was thrilling, and we learned so much. Listening to the other scholars discuss the wines was also fascinating. There was a huge depth and range of knowledge and opinion with a singular focus on what was in the glass.” 

The 22nd Len Evans Tutorial will take place in the Hunter Valley from 4-8 November. The 12 successful scholars are as followed:

Nicole Brasier:
Winemaker, Tintara Winery, Accolade Wines, SA

Lisa Cardelli:
Wine Writer, Co-ordinator, Halliday Wine Companion, Vic

Greg Clack:
Winemaker, Owner, Chain of Ponds/XO Wine Co, SA

Tim Dexter:
Senior Winemaker, Oakridge Wines, Vic

Lauren Hansen:
Winemaker, Penley Estate, SA

Andrew Higgins:
Chief Winemaker, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, NSW

Marcell Kustos:
Principal, MKW Consulting, SA

Jonathon Mattick:
Winemaker, Viticulturist, Owner, Canobolas Wines, NSW

Aaron Mercer:
Winemaker, Mercer Wines, NSW

Foni Pollitt:
Owner, Buyer, Wine Educator, Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room, WA

Skye Salter:
Winemaker, Co-owner, Paralian Wines, SA

Rohan Smith
Chief Winemaker, Medhurst Wines, Vic

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