Ten emerging Australian wine professionals have been selected to attend the 2027 Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium in Adelaide after being awarded Emerging Talent bursaries by Wine Australia.
Chosen from more than 120 applicants, the recipients represent a cross section of the Australian wine sector, including winemaking, viticulture, research, wine education, hospitality and wine communication.
The Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium is regarded as one of the wine industry’s key global events, bringing together Masters of Wine and industry professionals to discuss topics affecting the future of the sector. The 2027 symposium will explore issues including climate change, sustainability, consumer engagement and the future direction of the global wine industry.
The bursary recipients are:
- Lucy Adam, vineyard operator, Kooyong Wines, Port Phillip Estate, Mornington Peninsula.
- Lucy Austen-Paine, assistant winemaker, Blue Pyrenees Estate, Pyrenees.
- Rhys Baker, general manager, Swinging Bridge Wines, Orange.
- Eleanor Bilogrevic, sensory scientist and PhD candidate, AWRI and Adelaide University.
- Nuno Frias, portfolio winemaker, Australian Vintage Ltd, Mildura.
- Michelle Li, winemaker, Knappstein Wines, Clare Valley.
- Natasha Perry, cellar hand, Henschke Wines, Barossa Valley.
- Cyndal Petty, wine writer, critic and presenter, Margaret River.
- Emily Spinaze, winemaker and consultant, Glover Wines, Hunter Valley.
- Nina Throsby, group sommelier, Kailis Hospitality Group, Perth.
Over four days in April, the group will participate in technical tastings, panel discussions and networking opportunities alongside international wine professionals. The bursaries cover full symposium registration and include a travel contribution where required.
Orange-based wine professional Rhys Baker said the experience would help strengthen the profile of regional Australian wine internationally.
“I’m passionate about seeing regional Australian wine represented with confidence on the world stage. I’m looking forward to learning from global leaders in wine and bringing those insights back into the training, tastings and conversations I lead here in Orange,” said Baker.
Researcher Eleanor Bilogrevic said the symposium would provide an opportunity to connect Australian research with international thinking.
“Having these conversations take place here in Australia creates an exciting opportunity to build on our strong contribution to the global conversation shaping the future of wine and wine products. I’m excited to explore new ideas and perspectives that will help inform the next generation of wine research and innovation,” said Bilogrevic.
Emma Symington MW, head of education, EMEA, for Wine Australia and IMW Symposium co chair, said the diversity and quality of applicants reflected the industry’s depth of emerging talent.
“We saw outstanding applications from across the country and across every part of the value chain. It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many early and mid-career professionals ready to engage in global conversations and contribute to the future of Australian wine,” she said.
“This cohort brings curiosity, capability and a genuine commitment to sharing what they learn and we’re genuinely excited to see what they bring to the Symposium discussions.”
Wine Australia said the Emerging Talent bursary program is intended to improve access to the symposium while supporting leadership development and knowledge sharing across the Australian wine sector. Recipients are expected to bring new perspectives and international insights back to their businesses, regions and professional networks, contributing to capability building across the broader industry.
