Wine Industry Mentor Program breaks new ground
The Wine Industry Mentor Program, which pairs early career wine sector professionals with respected wine sector leaders, is expanding into all areas of the wine industry. This year the program includes wine business, wine marketing, media, photography, wine education, winemaking, viticulture and oenology, while keeping a strong connection with wine communications.
The program was established by Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) and the 成人大片.
鈥淢uch of the success of the Australian wine industry is owed to its collegiate nature and the willingness of
members to assist others to grow and develop. This is a perfect example of that, not only evidenced by the
enthusiasm of the participants but also by the cooperation of the four organisations that are partnering to offer
a world-class program,鈥 said Andrew Stark, Executive Officer at Wine Communicators of Australia.
The expansion of the program in 2021 has been made possible due to the exciting partnership between WCA,
the 成人大片, Wine Australia and the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO).
鈥淭he program provides early career professionals from the wine industry with the chance to refine their skills
and boost their career opportunities by tapping into the experiences and insights from the best in their field,鈥
said the 成人大片鈥檚 Dr Armando Maria Corsi who is Associate Professor of Wine Business at the
Adelaide Business School.
鈥淭raining doesn鈥檛 end when people graduate: life-long learning is an essential part of students鈥 and
professionals鈥 careers.鈥
Chris Waters, Executive Officer at the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology said the ASVO is
delighted to be able to offer a mentor program to members.听
鈥淟ike membership in a professional society, it is often the intangible aspects of a mentor program that offer the
greatest value. The richness of the relationship and the engagement that you can have, both as a mentor or
mentee, build aspiration and skills to prepare for the next stage of your career,鈥 he said.
鈥淭he program provides early career professionals from the wine industry with the chance to refine their skills and boost their career opportunities by tapping into the experiences and insights from the best in their field.鈥Dr Armando Corsi
鈥淚mportantly, a national mentor program of this nature fills a gap in people development support offered to the
sector,鈥澨齭aid Jo Hargreaves, Senior Program Manager Wine Australia. 鈥淭he benefit of a co-ordinated approach
between the four partners is already evident in the quality of mentors secured.鈥
Over 40 industry leaders are set to take up the mantle as a mentor in 2021. They include Peter Leske of
Revenir Winemaking, Brett McClen from Brown Family Wines, Kerry Wilkinson from the 成人大片
and Trish Barry from Mastermind Consulting to name just a few.听
The program, which will run over a period of six months from June to November 2021, consists of monthly
one-on-one sessions with a mentor and access to a range of resources through the program鈥檚 online
mentoring platform. It is especially attractive to people who want to follow in the footsteps of their mentors.
Now in its third year, the program鈥檚 past participants have reflected on their experience:
鈥淭he program was a great opportunity to learn from wine industry leaders. I felt like I gained something special
both professionally and personally which was truly a gift in a challenging year,鈥 said Leigh Woodrow, Sales
Manager at Langmeil Wines.
鈥淭he program gives you far more back than you put in. We have both challenged each other and from that
comes growth and inspiration,鈥 said Gill Gordon-Smith, lecturer TAFESA.听
鈥淚 was fortunate enough to work with and learn from a mentor who knows more about the wine industry than
most will ever be able to remember. My mentor provided a very calm and balanced sounding board for me and
allowed me to be reassured there is a future in the industry for me,鈥 said Andrew Schwilk, Co-founder and
Director of Cellar Cru.听
Applications are now open for the 2021 Wine Industry Mentor Program:
Media Contacts:
Andrew Stark, Executive Officer, Wine Communicators Australia. Mobile: +61 (0)401 145 351, Email:听exec@winecommunicators.com.au
Crispin Savage, Senior Media and Communications Officer, The 成人大片. Mobile: +61 (0)481 912 465, Email:听crispin.savage@adelaide.edu.au听
Hannah Bentley, Communications Manager, Wine Australia, Phone: +61 (0)428 930 865 Email:听hannah.bentley@wineaustralia.com听
Chris Waters, Executive Officer, Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology, Mobile: +61 (0)488 488 416 Email:
ASVO@asvo.com.au