Wine Industry Mentor Program Expands

Since beginning three years ago, the Wine Industry Mentor Program has paired early career wine sector professionals with respected wine sector leaders.

This year, the program expands in scope and mentoring opportunities will be offered in all areas of the wine industry: from the business of making wine to wine marketing, media, photography, wine education, winemaking, viticulture and oenology.

“Much of the success of the Australian wine industry is owed to its collegiate nature and the willingness of members to assist others to grow and develop. This is a perfect example of that, not only evidenced by the enthusiasm of the participants but also by the cooperation of the four organisations that are partnering to offer a world-class program,” said Andrew Stark, Executive Officer at Wine Communicators of Australia.

Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) has partnered with the University of Adelaide, Wine Australia and the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) in order to extend its offering.

Over 40 industry leaders are set to take up the mantle as mentors in 2021, including Peter Leske of Revenir Winemaking, Brett McClen from Brown Family Wines, Kerry Wilkinson from the University of Adelaide and Trish Barry from Mastermind Consulting to name just a few.

The program runs from June to November 2021 with monthly one-on-one mentor sessions and access to a range of resources through the program’s online mentoring platform

“The program provides early career professionals from the wine industry with the chance to refine their skills and boost their career opportunities by tapping into the experiences and insights from the best in their field,” said the University of Adelaide’s Dr Armando Maria Corsi, Associate Professor of Wine Business at the Adelaide Business School.

“Training doesn’t end when people graduate: life-long learning is an essential part of students’ and professionals’ careers.”

Leigh Woodrow, Sales Manager at Langmeil Wines reflected on the experience, saying: “The program was a great opportunity to learn from wine industry leaders. I felt like I gained something special both professionally and personally which was truly a gift in a challenging year.”

Andrew Schwilk, Co-founder and Director of Cellar Cru said: “I was fortunate enough to work with and learn from a mentor who knows more about the wine industry than most will ever be able to remember. My mentor provided a very calm and balanced sounding board for me and allowed me to be reassured there is a future in the industry for me.”

Applications for the 2021 Wine Industry Mentor Program are now open.

Photo credit: Wine Australia