From Margaret River to Orange, a new wave of Australian wine professionals is preparing to step into one of the world’s most influential wine events, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives and a strong sense of purpose to the conversations shaping what comes next for the industry.
Ten emerging winemakers, viticulturists, sommeliers, researchers and communicators have been selected from more than 120 applicants to receive Wine Australia bursaries to attend the 2027 Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium (IMW Symposium) in Adelaide, widely regarded as one of the most significant events in the global wine calendar.
The 2027 Emerging Talent bursary recipients are (shown L-R):
- 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 next April, they will take part in tastings, discussions and shared experiences alongside international industry leaders and Masters of Wine, exploring everything from how wine connects with new generations to how regions respond to climate change and sustainability challenges.
For this group, the opportunity is as much about contribution as it is about access. The bursary removes the barriers to attending, while creating a pathway for new voices to take part in conversations that could shape the direction of the industry.
Orange-based industry leader Rhys Baker sees the experience as a chance to strengthen the role of regional Australia within those conversations.
“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.”
South Australian researcher Eleanor Bilogrevic said the opportunity will help connect Australian expertise to global thinking at a critical time for the industry.
“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.”
Emma Symington MW, Head of Education– EMEA for Wine Australia and IMW Symposium co-chair, was part of the bursary selection panel and said the strength of the applications highlights a confident and capable future for the sector.
“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.”
Across the group, recipients highlighted the opportunity to test assumptions, build international perspective and translate what they learn into practical outcomes, from improving vineyard and winery decision-making to strengthening regional capability, mentoring and knowledge sharing.
The bursary covers full Symposium attendance and includes a travel contribution where applicable, enabling participation regardless of location.
By backing the next generation of young professionals and industry voices, the Emerging Talent Bursary aims to deliver broader benefit for the sector, strengthening leadership capability, industry connection and confidence in Australia’s role in the future of wine.
For more information visit: www.imwsymposium.com.
For media enquiries please contact
Kim Partridge
PR and Digital Communications Manager, Wine Australia
About Wine Australia
Wine Australia empowers the success of the Australian wine sector through Research, Innovation and Adoption to enhance global competitiveness and meet the challenges of tomorrow, today; Market Development to increase the demand and premium paid for Australian wine; and Regulatory Services to safeguard Australian wine’s integrity and uphold the sector’s reputation.
Wine Australia is funded by the sector, for the sector, through grapegrower, winemaker and exporter levies and user-pays charges, with matching funds from the Australian Government for research and innovation. Established under the Wine Australia Act 2013, it is a Commonwealth Government statutory authority.
About the Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium
The IMW International Symposium is regarded as the marquee event in the global wine calendar, attracting 500 people from the top echelons of the wine world. Launched in Oxford in 1982, previous symposia have been held in Wiesbaden (2023), Logroño (2018), Florence (2014), Bordeaux (2010), Napa (2006), Vienna (2002), Perth (1997) and Cambridge (1990). Returning for 2027 to Adelaide, South Australia, the 11th international Symposium will run over 4 stimulating days. Attendees can expect world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations and controversial debate. The host of the 2027 event is the South Australian Government. In addition to the full programme, attendees will have the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s 65 wine regions through exclusive trips.
For more information visit: