Ten new voices of Australian wine are heading to the global stage
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA, 26 JUNE 2026 — 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:
- Cyndal Petty – Wine writer, critic and content creator, Margaret River
- Eleanor Bilogrevic – Sensory scientist and PhD candidate, AWRI and Adelaide University
- Emily Spinaze – Winemaker and consultant, Glover Wines, Hunter Valley
- Lucy Adam – Viticulturist, Kooyong Wines, Port Phillip Estate, Mornington Peninsula
- Lucy Austen-Paine – Assistant winemaker, Blue Pyrenees Estate, Pyrenees
- Michelle Li – Winemaker, Knappstein Wines, Clare Valley
- Natasha Perry – Cellar hand, Henschke Wines, Barossa Valley
- Nina Throsby – Group sommelier, Kailis Hospitality Group, Perth
- Nuno Frias – Portfolio winemaker, Australian Vintage Ltd, Mildura
- Rhys Baker – General manager, Swinging Bridge Wines, Orange
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.
Quotes from the recipients:
Cyndal Petty (WA)
“I look forward to having my opinions challenged, refined and expanded as we consider wine within a broader global context.”
Eleanor Bilogrevic (SA)
“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.”
Emily Spinaze (NSW)
“This experience will no doubt be eye opening and arm me with knowledge I can bring back to my business and region.”
Lucy Adam (VIC)
“It is a chance for my current views on the wine industry to be developed, challenged and new ideas to be formed.”
Lucy Austen-Paine (VIC)
“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. It’s a unique opportunity to challenge myself, deepen my understanding of wine, and contribute more meaningfully to the Australian wine community.”
Michelle Li (SA)
“The bursary provides a unique opportunity to learn from global wine leaders, explore the future challenges and opportunities facing our industry. I look forward to bringing those insights back to the Australian wine community and sharing them through my professional and industry networks.”
Natasha Perry (SA)
“Receiving this bursary is an incredible opportunity and a significant milestone in my wine career. I’m excited to learn from some of the industry’s leading thinkers and bring those insights back to my region and peers.”
Nina Throsby (WA)
“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.”
Nuno Frias (VIC)
“The wine industry is at a turning point, and I’m excited to be part of the conversations shaping what comes next.
Rhys Baker (NSW)
“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 IMW International Symposium, learning from global leaders in wine, and bringing those insights back into the training, tastings and conversations I lead here in Orange.”
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: www.imwsymposium.com
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.
For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com
ENDS
For more information contact:
Laura Coles
Head of Marketing and Engagement
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9136
lcoles@mastersofwine.org
Notes to editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For more than 70 years, its members—the Masters of Wine (MWs)—have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 427 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 320 students from 46 countries in the 2025-26 MW study programme. The IMW works with 38 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group. The IMW’s International Symposium is a highlight of the global wine calendar, bringing together leading figures from across the industry. The 11th International Symposium will take place in Adelaide, South Australia, in April 2027, offering four days of world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations, debate and opportunities to explore Australia’s diverse wine regions. Find out more here: https://imwsymposium.com/