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Emerging Talent Bursary

International Masters of Wine Symposium 2027

Overview

The Wine Australia Emerging Talent Bursary supports young people working in the Australian wine sector to attend the International Masters of Wine Symposium (IMW Symposium), held in Adelaide, South Australia from 15–18 April 2027.

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. 

2027 Emerging Talent bursary recipients

Ten emerging winemakers, viticulturists, sommeliers, researchers and communicators have been selected from more than 120 applicants to receive Wine Australia bursaries to attend the IMW Symposium, widely regarded as one of the most significant events in the global wine calendar.

Rhys Baker

Swinging Bridge Wines (NSW)

I am the General Manager at Swinging Bridge Wines in Orange, where I work across cellar door, hospitality, staff training, wine education, events and daily business operations. Having spent formative years in regional NSW and now living and working in Orange, I am passionate about building strong wine and hospitality pathways outside the metropolitan centres, and helping showcase the quality and character of the Orange region in particular.

"Receiving this bursary is a real honour. Orange is an exceptional wine region, and I’m passionate about seeing regional Australian wine represented with confidence on the world stage. I’m looking forward to attending the International Masters of Wine Symposium, learning from global leaders in wine, and bringing those insights back into the training, tastings and conversations I lead here in Orange."

My background began in restaurants, including four years as Group Sommelier for Delia Group in Melbourne, and has developed into a broader role within regional wine, tourism and education. I hold the WSET Diploma and am considering the Master of Wine qualification. I regularly lead tastings for guests, staff and colleagues, including a weekly tasting at Swinging Bridge to lift wine knowledge across our team and wider network. I also serve on the Orange FOOD Week Committee and have been an Associate Judge at the Orange Wine Show.

Cyndal Petty

Freelance writer and contributor to WinePilot, Halliday, Broadsheet, and other publications (WA)

I work across several facets of the Australian wine industry as a writer, presenter and judge. I am a wine critic for Winepilot and Vintage Journal, and a contributor to Halliday, Broadsheet and other publications. Through my writing I aim to bring a contemporary tone to wine commentary - translating the culture, people and places behind wine in a way that feels relevant and accessible while still holding the industry to account.

Beyond writing, I judge at two to three Australian wine shows each year and regularly host masterclasses for regional and state wine professionals. Until January this year I served on the Sommeliers Australia committee, and I was selected as part of the 2025 Next Crop cohort.

I also emcee industry events and use social media to communicate wine to a broader audience, helping connect drinkers with the people, land and stories behind the glass.

Eleanor Bilogrevic

Adelaide University & AWRI (SA)

I am a Sensory Scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), where I work across projects integrating sensory analysis, consumer research, and analytical chemistry to address key industry challenges. My work has contributed to research on smoke taint, helping provide evidence-based guidance to grapegrowers and winemakers managing increasing climate-related risks.

“I’m thrilled to be selected as one of the bursary recipients. The IMW Symposium will bring together a wealth of international expertise, and I’m looking forward to learning from leaders across our global industry. Having those 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 particularly excited to explore new ideas and perspectives that will help inform the next generation of wine research and innovation."

Alongside this role, I am undertaking a PhD focused on consumer preferences in the no-and-low-alcohol (NOLO) wine category. My research explores how sensory attributes and consumer expectations intersect, with the aim of supporting the development of products that better align with evolving market demands. Through both my professional role and academic research, I am actively engaged in translating scientific insights into practical applications that support innovation and resilience within the Australian wine industry.

Nina Throsby

Kailis Hospitality Group (WA)

I am the Group Sommelier for Kailis Hospitality Group in Perth, where I oversee the wine programs for venues including Gibney and The Shorehouse. My role involves curating and managing large-scale wine lists, building producer-focused selections and mentoring a team of sommeliers while championing Western Australian wines alongside international benchmarks. Beyond the restaurant floor, I am engaged in the broader Australian wine community as a wine show judge and industry participant, contributing to tastings and judging panels both within Western Australia and nationally.

"Receiving the Emerging Talent Bursary from Wine Australia is an incredible opportunity, and I am thrilled to be a part of the program. The IMW International Symposium brings together the leading voices shaping wine's future. To attend in Adelaide, learn from industry stalwarts, and build relationships across the global wine community is a genuine privilege. I look forward to bringing what I learn back to Western Australia and contributing to the conversation on a national level."

My work has been recognised with multiple awards, including being named Sommelier of the Year by the WA Good Food Guide in both 2023 and 2025. I was also selected as a Len Evans Tutorial Scholar and have participated in international judging opportunities such as the Decanter and the International Wine Challenge in London, experiences that inform my perspective on Australian wine within a global context.

Lucy Adam

Kooyong Wines/ Port Phillip Estate (VIC)

In 2025 I graduated from Next Crop Victoria and sat on the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Associations Technical Committee (MPVA). Whilst on the MPVA Technical Committee, I helped organise a Wine Show Judging Seminar. This aimed to bridge the knowledge gap in how Wine Shows work and to encourage more young industry professionals from the Mornington Peninsula to apply for shows.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to attend the IMW Symposium. It is chance for my current views on the Wine Industry to be developed, challenged and new ideas to be formed."

I actively participate in regional industry events, continuing to network with local industry stakeholders and build a community in this regional area. In building community, I also participate in an informal tasting group with other young industry professionals with the aim of tasting with others outside of your business and creating a support network. I also assist on my family’s vineyard, where I can experiment with viticultural ideas with the goal of creating a sustainable vineyard.

Emily Spinaze

Glover Wines (NSW)

With deep roots in the Australian wine industry, my career has evolved from key roles across Hunter Valley estates and international vineyards to launching my own label, Glover Wines. This year, I have transitioned into full-time consultancy, balancing technical expertise for boutique Hunter Valley brands with strategic winemaking for industry leaders like Fourth Wave Wine.

"I'm so excited for the opportunity to attend the 2027 IMW International Symposium to connect with and learn from wine professionals from around the world. This experience will no doubt be eye opening and arm me with knowledge i can bring back to my business and region."

My involvement extends beyond the cellar through leadership roles dedicated to industry growth. As a NSW Rootlings State Champion, I collaborate with the committee to organise and execute the upcoming state conference. Additionally, I serve as the Head of the Hunter Valley Young Winemakers Group, where I facilitate quarterly tastings designed to mentor and educate the region’s emerging talent. Through this blend of independent production, corporate consulting, and professional advocacy, I am committed to advancing the quality and community spirit of the New South Wales wine industry.

Lucy Austen-Paine

Blue Pyrenees Estate (VIC)

I have been actively involved in the wine industry now since 2022, completing 5 vintages in the Pyrenees Wine region of Victoria. I have spent time in both large- and small-scale production and fallen in love with the industry and all its many facets. I have become heavily involved in the Pyrenees Wine Region currently sitting as the secretary of the committee.

"I am truly excited for the Symposium and the opportunity it brings to expand my palate with extraordinary wines, network, and learn from the best of the best in our industry. Receiving a bursary through Wine Australia has made this opportunity even more meaningful. For me, the excitement comes from the anticipation of growth, returning home with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, valuable connections, and experiences with wines I may never have the chance to taste again. I see the Symposium as a unique opportunity to challenge myself, deepen my understanding of wine, and contribute more meaningfully to the Australian wine community in the years ahead."

I have also delved into various other aspects of the industry, sitting on the committee for the Western Victorian Wine Show, 2025 Alternative Varieties Wine Show steward and currently one of the Victorian State Champions for Rootling's. I am passionate about the future of the industry, finding my unique pathway through and building up other young people to experience the same joy and passion I find in this industry.

Michelle Li

Knappstein Wines/Ms. L Wines (SA)

Full-time winemaker based in South Australia, working across vintage production and winery operations. As the winemaker and owner of Ms. L Wines, I manage every aspect of a small label, from vineyard logistics and contract winemaking to national sales.

"I am honoured to receive this opportunity and excited to attend the 2027 IMW Symposium. As a winemaker, wine judge, and owner of a boutique wine label, I see the Symposium as a unique opportunity to learn from global wine leaders, explore the future challenges and opportunities facing our industry, and further develop my knowledge. I look forward to bringing those insights back to the Australian wine community and sharing them through my professional and industry networks."

I regularly engage with consumers through wine tastings, markets and hospitality venues, building stronger connections between producers and drinkers.

Wine judge since 2021, contributing to several Australian wine shows including the Australian Small Winemakers Show, Barossa Wine Show, Royal Adelaide Wine Show, Clare Valley Wine Show, National Single Vineyard Wine Show and etc.

Committee member of Wine Communicators of Australia, contributing to industry engagement initiatives. Active participant in Rootlings, the national network supporting young grape and wine professionals as one of SA state champions.

Through these roles I engage with the wine sector from multiple perspectives — production, evaluation, communication and entrepreneurship, which shapes my long-term commitment to contributing to the future of Australian wine.

Natasha (Tash) Perry

Henschke (SA)

I am currently employed full-time as a cellar hand at Henschke Wines in the Barossa Valley, where I am involved in all aspects of production during both vintage and non-vintage periods. My role includes fruit receival, crushing and pressing operations, fermentation monitoring, additions, transfers, and maintaining detailed production records.

“Receiving this bursary is an incredible opportunity and a significant milestone in my wine career. As a young wine professional, I’m excited to learn from some of the industry’s leading thinkers, gain new perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Australian wine, and bring those insights back to my region and peers. I’m deeply grateful to Wine Australia and the Institute of Masters of Wine for investing in the next generation of industry leaders.”

I hold a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Adelaide and have built a diverse foundation across the Australian and international wine industries. My experience includes vintages at Yalumba, Oxford Landing, and Revenir Winemaking, as well as international harvests in Austria and Oregon.

This combination of practical cellar work, laboratory experience, and vineyard exposure has given me a holistic understanding of wine production and a strong commitment to contributing to the future of Australian wine.

Nuno Frias

Australian Vintage Ltd (VIC)

I am currently working as a Portfolio Winemaker at Australian Vintage Ltd, based at Buronga Hill Winery. My role involves managing wine quality across a broad portfolio, including blending, fining, and ensuring compliance for domestic and export markets.

“The wine industry is at a turning point, and I’m excited to be part of the conversations shaping what comes next. Attending the IMW International Symposium is an opportunity to challenge my thinking, connect with global leaders, and contribute those insights back to Australian wine.”

My experience in Australia spans different production scales, from premium small-scale at Lowe Family Wine Co, to mid-scale at Wine X Sam, and now large-scale commercial production at Australian Vintage. This progression has given me a strong understanding of how winemaking decisions translate across different operational contexts.

Alongside day-to-day operations, I contribute to process improvement and technical trials, including work with electrodialysis to reduce acetic acid in red wines, as well as trials with fining agents and other oenological products to optimise wine stability and quality.

My focus is on bridging practical winemaking with innovation, developing scalable solutions that improve wine quality while supporting evolving market needs.

Meet the recipients

About the IMW Symposium

The Institute of Masters of Wine promotes excellence, learning and professional engagement across the global wine community. For 70 years, Masters of Wine have contributed leadership and expertise across all parts of the wine sector.

The 2027 IMW Symposium program will explore key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of wine. The event features:

  • rare and high value tastings
  • presentations and panel discussions
  • facilitated debate and themed events
  • structured and informal networking opportunities

Learn more about the event: IMW Symposium website 

About the bursary

The bursary covers full Symposium attendance and includes a travel contribution where applicable, enabling participation regardless of location. 

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.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

  • be aged 18 to 35 (in 2027)
  • be currently employed in any part of the Australian wine industry (e.g. viticulture, winemaking, research, marketing, hospitality, tourism), and able to demonstrate this connection
  • be available to attend the full IMW Symposium in person from 15–18 April 2027 in Adelaide
  • be willing and able to prepare and share insights from their experience with guidance from Wine Australia

A selection panel comprising Wine Australia representatives, industry leaders and Masters of Wine will assess all applications.

About Rootlings

Rootlings is a national youth network for people aged 35 and under working (or seeking to work) in the Australian wine industry.

Learn more: Rootlings: Australian Wine Youth Network

Applicants do not need to be members of Rootlings to apply.

Sign-up for the IMW newsletter

The MW has been a career-defining professional qualification for me; there's nothing quite like it in the world of wine. 

The Institute of Masters of Wine will be running a two-day introduction course in Adelaide in April 2027, immediately prior to the symposium. If you've ever wondered what studying for the MW involves or would like to learn how to taste like an MW, then this is the ideal opportunity for you. Led by two Masters of Wine, the introduction course is a fantastic next step in your wine education.

Sign-up for the IMW newsletter to hear more about this introduction course and to stay up-to-date with other opportunities offered by the Institute of Masters of Wine

If you love wine, the ideas behind wine and the people of the wine industry then the MW could be your career-defining qualification too. 

Cheers!

Phil Reedman MW

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This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.