The South Australian wine industry has long been renowned for its exceptional quality and rich heritage, with the state producing over 80% of Australia’s premium wine. However, with the growing demand for sustainable and experiential tourism, the sector is evolving to meet the changing needs of visitors. The Art and Science of Sustainable Wine Business and Tourism is a new educational program aimed at strengthening the state’s wine tourism sector. Launched by the Great Wine Capitals (GWC) Adelaide chapter and delivered by the Adelaide Business School at the University of Adelaide, this innovative program will equip wine industry professionals with the skills and knowledge to deliver world-class experiences. This program is part of a broader strategy to position South Australia as one of the world’s premier wine regions. The state’s wine tourism sector is expected to play a vital role in driving the state’s economy and attracting new visitors. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and the need to differentiate itself from other wine-producing regions. To address these challenges, the program will focus on building capacity among wine industry professionals and attracting new talent to the sector. The program is designed to equip participants with best practice knowledge in areas such as:
- Entrepreneurial mindset and business strategy
- Brand reputation and digital communication
- Distribution channels and channel partner management
- Effective marketing and sales
- Sustainable business practices and environmental management
The program will be led by a team of expert instructors, including Dr David Jaud, program director of Wine Business at Adelaide Business School. Dr Jaud is a renowned expert in the field of wine business and has extensive experience in developing and delivering education and training programs for the wine industry. The program will feature a range of engaging and interactive activities, including:
- Masterclasses and workshops
- Case studies and group discussions
- Networking opportunities and mentorship
- Access to a curated group of select speakers from the Great Wine Capitals Global Network
The program is designed to be comprehensive and inclusive, with a focus on building a diverse and vibrant community of wine industry professionals. By providing a platform for participants to share their experiences, knowledge and expertise, the program aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the sector. The Art and Science of Sustainable Wine Business and Tourism is a unique and exciting opportunity for wine industry professionals to develop their skills and knowledge and to contribute to the growth and development of the sector. The scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to engage with a range of experts and influencers in the field, including:
“Congratulations to the scholarship recipients, your passion and expertise will help keep South Australia at the forefront of global wine tourism.” – Minister Zoe Bettison
- Cathy Williams, The Islander Estate Vineyards & Battle of Bosworth Wines
- Felix Bekkers, Young Felix Wines
- Hannah Timms, Raidis Estate
- Hugh MacGillivray, Langmeil Winery
- Irina Santiago-Brown, Inkwell Wines
- Marissa Harvey, Beach Road Wines
- Matthew Kurko, Small Batch Wine Tours
- Michelle Li, Knappstein Wines
- Michelle Ottaway, Regions Cellars
- Ruby Osborn, d’Arenberg
- Sammi Colbey, Adelaide Hills Wine
- Skye Hopgood, Eldredge Wines
These individuals represent a diverse range of wine industry professionals, including winemakers, sommeliers, tour guides, and business owners. They will have the opportunity to learn from each other and share their expertise, knowledge and experiences. The Art and Science of Sustainable Wine Business and Tourism is a valuable opportunity for South Australia’s wine tourism sector to grow, develop and thrive in the face of changing market demands and trends. By equipping wine industry professionals with the skills and knowledge to deliver world-class experiences, this program aims to position South Australia as one of the world’s premier wine regions. The state’s wine tourism sector is expected to play a vital role in driving the state’s economy and attracting new visitors, making this program an important investment in the sector’s future. The program is made possible through Adelaide’s membership in the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, which acknowledges South Australia as Australia’s premier wine state, producing more than 80% of the nation’s premium wine from some of the oldest vines in the world. The Art and Science of Sustainable Wine Business and Tourism is a unique and exciting opportunity for wine industry professionals to develop their skills and knowledge and to contribute to the growth and development of the sector. By investing in the education and training of wine industry professionals, the state can ensure that its wine tourism sector remains competitive and attractive to visitors from around the world.