Thirteen postgraduate and undergraduate Viticulture and Oenology students from Adelaide University are undertaking a 10-week placement in an Australian winery during the 2026 vintage with the support of Wine Australia’s Further Afield Scholarship program.
The competitive scholarship program supports high-achieving students who undertake placements in regions beyond those immediately surrounding metropolitan Adelaide by assisting with their costs of travel and accommodation.
This year’s successful scholarship recipients comprise two Masters and 11 Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology students who will be undertaking placements in the Grampians, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Werribee Park in Victoria; Hunter Valley in New South Wales; Margaret River in Western Australia; and Pipers River in Tasmania.
“The Further Afield Scholarship helps encourage students to pursue vintage placements in diverse regions across Australia, broadening their perspectives and connections in the sector that will shape their careers,” said Adelaide University’s Jill Bauer, coordinator of the scholarship program.
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| Ben Joiner, Masters of Viticulture & Oenology student |
Masters of Viticulture & Oenology student Ben Joiner, whose placement is at Shadowfax at Werribee Park, said the additional financial assistance provided by the Further Afield Scholarship not only made it easier for him to relocate but unlocked opportunities to work in unique wine regions.
“Being able to travel and work through different parts of the country brings invaluable benefits - new connections, a greater understanding of the Australian wine scene and memorable experiences and learnings that will help shape my winemaking career,” Ben said.
“Since first getting into wine I have always had a strong interest in the Macedon Ranges, particularly for its ability to produce distinct, expressive Chardonnay. I have wanted to work with fruit from this region for some time, and I am excited that this scholarship helps me achieve that goal.”
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| Ruby Lee, Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology student |
Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology student Ruby Lee said she was grateful for the support of her scholarship during her placement in Margaret River.
“This funding will help cover the costs of relocating and living away from home, allowing me to fully focus on gaining valuable hands-on experience,” Ruby said.
“This placement will be my first vintage, and I specifically wanted the opportunity to experience a new region and broaden my understanding of different vineyard and winemaking approaches.
“Through this placement, I hope to strengthen my practical skills, build confidence in both laboratory and cellar operations, and gain insight into decisions around fermentation management and regional stylistic goals. I am especially excited to see how fruit from different vineyard sites is treated and how these choices impact the finished wine.”
The other recipients of a Further Afield Scholarship (and the location of their placements) are: Joel Ashworth (Stella Bella, Margaret River, WA), Celia Bosworth (Yarra Yering, Yarra Valley, Vic.), Rohan Casey (Howard Park, Margaret River), Jesslyn Collins (Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, NSW), Lucinda Green (Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River), Lachlan Hanna (Handpicked, Pipers River, Tas.), Maya Horner (Elanto, Mornington Peninsula, Vic.) Cooper Huntley (Paradigm Hill, Mornington Peninsula), Isis Naisbitt (Mount Langi Ghiran, Grampians, Vic.), Emma Price (De Bortoli, Yarra Valley) and Marcus Torzi (Hoddles Creek, Yarra Valley).