Investing in the next generation: Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale and Riverland to deliver Next Crop program in 2026

Wine Australia has announced the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, McLaren Vale Wine Region and Riverland Wine will deliver this year’s Next Crop program, equipping emerging leaders with practical skills, networks and confidence to support the long-term resilience and success of the grape and wine sector in those regions.

Funded by Wine Australia, Next Crop provides wine regions with an opportunity to develop locally-tailored leadership programs that reflect each region’s priorities and challenges. Administered by regional grape and wine associations, the program’s learning experiences are aimed at building capability, encouraging collaboration and preparing participants to take on greater responsibility within their businesses and regional communities.

Since 2021, Next Crop has been delivered to 232 participants across 11 regions. Participants gain practical insights into leadership, decision-making and industry dynamics while forming valuable professional networks. These connections help strengthen regional cohesion and contribute to a more adaptable, forward-looking sector.

Jo Hargreaves, Senior Program Manager at Wine Australia who oversees its people development and leadership programs, said building leadership capability remains a priority for the sector’s long-term success.

“Strong leadership is essential to navigating change and capturing new opportunities. Through Next Crop, we are supporting regions to invest in their people and develop the skills needed to sustain a vibrant and competitive Australian wine sector,” Ms Hargreaves said.

Margaret River is also delivering a leadership program in 2026 which is broadly aligned with the values of the Next Crop initiative and Wine Australia’s commitment to strengthening emerging leadership capability across Australia’s grape and wine sector. Next Crop | Cultivating Leadership is jointly funded by Wines of Western Australia, the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Margaret River Wine Association.

The following comments can be attributed to Jennie Curran, CEO, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association

“Developing the next generation of capable leaders in the Hunter Valley is fundamental to securing the region’s future. A tailored Hunter Valley Next Crop program will address regional challenges by building leadership capability, strategic confidence and cross wine industry collaboration. The program will create a sustainable leadership pipeline that strengthens both individuals, their businesses and the collective future of the Hunter Valley.”

The following comments can be attributed to Erin Leggat, CEO, McLaren Vale Wine Region

“Next Crop addresses the urgent need to ensure that our next generation of regional leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge to collaboratively devise solutions to key regional and industry-wide challenges in this period of significant industry adjustment and have the leadership skills and confidence to bring the region’s grape and wine sector and community together in support of these solutions.”

The following comments can be attributed to Alex Cannon-Leyson, General Manager, Riverland Wine 

“The current conditions facing the wine industry are having real and immediate impacts on Riverland growers and wineries. The Next Crop program plays a crucial role in helping our region face these challenges together. We know that building the capabilities of the next generation will strengthen both grower viability and regional outcomes.”