Nine South Australian wine industry representatives will travel across the globe to exchange knowledge with overseas counterparts that will address challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The Outbound Knowledge Exchange Bursaries are being delivered as part of Adelaide, South Australia's membership to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWCGN).
Originally, only three bursaries were planned, however due to the high standard and volume of applications, additional funding was granted to expand the number to nine, which will maximise the benefit to the industry locally.
Adelaide, South Australia, is a proud member of the GWCGN, which is an exclusive group of 12 internationally renowned wine regions, including Bordeaux and the Napa Valley.
At any given time, South Australia has nearly a billion bottles of wine on tables and in cellars around the world with the state's name on them.
The nine recipients named by the GWCGN Steering Committee are:
- Tony Hoare, Beach Road Wines, McLaren Vale
- Dr Marcell Kustos, Marcell Kustos Wine Concierge, Adelaide
- Syuzanna Mosikyan, University of Adelaide
- Ashley Ratcliff, Ricca Terra Wines, Riverland
- Caitlin Davies, Jericho Wines, Adelaide Hills/McLaren Vale
- Yanina Giordana, University of Adelaide
- Thomas Bartholomaeus, Torbreck Vintners, Barossa Valley
- Shirley Fraser, Sorby Adams Wines, Barossa Valley and
- Charles Matheson, Riverland Wine, Riverland
Each of the bursaries are valued at $6,000 for travel to one or more of the other 11 Great Wine Capitals, where recipients will engage with wine professionals from their chosen destination to exchange ideas and experiences.
On their return to Australia, they will share new learnings to benefit the South Australian wine industry in general, as well as their own endeavours.
Knowledge exchange is a key benefit of South Australia's membership to the GWCGN, where network members do not see themselves as competitors, but rather work together for the benefit of the wine industry globally.
Travel is to be taken from now until May 2024.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said South Australia is globally renowned for its wine, with visitors from across the nation and the world seeking out our wineries when they come to the state.
"It comes as no surprise that the calibre of applications we received was incredibly high, and I am thrilled there will now be nine South Australians at the top of their field taking part in this program," Minister Bettison said.
"Not only will they go abroad to learn and bring valuable knowledge back to make our industry even stronger, they will be spruiking South Australia and our position as a world-leading wine destination on the global stage."
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven said the quality of applications for this year's bursary program was simply outstanding and it is pleasing that funding was able to be extended to enable nine bursaries to be made available.
"Not only do our wine industry people bring back invaluable knowledge and experience for the benefit of our wine industry, but the bursary program is also a way for us to confirm South Australia's standing as an international leader in wine," Minister Scriven said.
"Congratulations to all the bursary recipients, we are well represented."
