Emerging leaders in the Australian wine sector will have new opportunities to develop their skills, with Coonawarra Grape and Wine, Barossa Australia, Wine Victoria and the Queensland Wine Industry Association selected to deliver the Next Crop program in 2025.
For the first time, Next Crop will be offered in the Coonawarra wine region and Queensland. It is also returning to the Barossa, while Victoria's program will focus on the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland.
Funded by Wine Australia, Next Crop enables wine regions to design and deliver a leadership development offering tailored to their unique needs.
"Next Crop aims to build confidence in regionally based emerging leaders across the grape and wine sector, providing development opportunities to support their career interests and to foster broader leadership engagements within region, or beyond," said Jo Hargreaves, Senior Program Manager at Wine Australia who oversees its people development and leadership programs.
While Next Crop is typically delivered in two or three regions each year, a once-off expansion to four in 2025 reflects the priorities of the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan which aims to strengthen leadership and collaboration across Australia's wine regions. This decision responds to strong demand from the sector and a collective commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders.
"By aligning with the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan, we're supporting leadership growth in regional communities and helping to create a more connected Australian wine sector," Ms Hargreaves said.
"The leadership, business and management skills that the program will provide will help build the capacity of the grape and wine sector in the Coonawarra, Queensland, Barossa Valley and Victoria."
The following comments can be attributed to Dan Redman, President, Coonawarra Grape and Wine Inc
"Coonawarra Grape and Wine Inc is honoured to be part of the Wine Australia Next Crop program. As a world-renowned wine region, we strive to strengthen our position as a leader in fine Cabernet production. This program will develop leadership and governance skills in our emerging leaders, enabling them to tackle regional wine sector challenges. By fostering solution-driven thinkers, we support both industry growth and personal development. The Coonawarra Next Crop program will enhance our region's resilience, ensuring a strong future for our wine community."
The following comments can be attributed to Ann Bourke, President, Queensland Wine Industry Association
"The Queensland Wine Industry Association is thrilled to be included in Wine Australia's prestigious Next Crop 2025 program. As a growing and innovative wine industry, Queensland wineries have shown dedication to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Queensland's Granite Belt, South Burnett and beyond. The Queensland wine industry's passion and strength has always been about more than just making great wine — it's about contributing to the future of the Australian wine industry. Being selected for Next Crop 2025 is an incredible opportunity for Queensland to collaborate with like-minded professionals, embrace new ideas, and ensure that the Queensland wine industry continues to thrive on a national and global scale."
The following comments can be attributed to Stephanie Duboudin, Chief Executive Officer, Wine Victoria
"Next Crop was identified as a key priority during the development of the Victorian Wine Strategy which is scheduled to be launched by mid-2025. We are very excited to be running a multi-region group across the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland. This program is so important to be able to assist with capability building and leadership skills for the next generation of Victorian wine industry leaders."
The following comments can be attributed to Nicki Robins, Viticultural Development Manager, Barossa Australia.
"In today's challenging environment, the next generation of winegrape growers faces unprecedented demands. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to build business and leadership skills and strengthen the community's capability. When Barossa Australia initiated and conducted the original Next Crop leadership program back in 2011, the organisation's goal was to give the younger generation the skills to build their capacity to participate in industry decision-making and take on roles in key organisations that shape Barossa's future. Today, as a national program, Wine Australia's Next Crop is a program that upskills individuals in critical areas relevant to each regions' needs. A major component of the Barossa program encourages the younger generation to initiate conversations about succession planning with their parents, helping facilitate wealth transfer before the business becomes compromised by a lack of modern insight or capability."
Caption for attached images: Graduates of the Next Crop program from McLaren Vale and Margaret River - the two regions that successfully applied for the program in 2024.
