A new educational program has launched aimed at assisting the South Australian wine tourism sector in responding to new and emerging demands.
Photo (L-R): Inca Lee, Zoe Bettison David Jaud and Clare Scriven
Up to 12 scholarship places will be offered for early- to mid-career wine industry professionals looking to upskill to more senior roles through the new ‘The Art and Science of Sustainable Wine Business and Tourism’ program.
It is offered under The Great Wine Capitals (GWC) which is a global network of internationally renowned wine regions which Adelaide is a part of.
The new program is also aimed at talented people from other fields who have transferable skills and are interested in moving into the exciting wine business and tourism sector.
The program will equip participants with best practice knowledge to:
- develop or strengthen an entrepreneurial mindset
- build brand reputation
- design effective digital communication strategies
- identify appropriate distribution channels
- learn how to best negotiate with channel partners
- develop engaging cellar door and tourism experiences
- optimise the use of available resources.
Delivered by the University of Adelaide, the program will run for six days in May to June 2025 and aims to build the capacity among wine industry professionals and attract new talent to the sector.
In the final masterclass, participants will engage with a curated group of select speakers from the GWC Global Network, from South Australia and from across the world’s 12 greatest wine regions.
The Adelaide chapter of GWC is a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), South Australian Tourism Commission, South Australian Wine Industry Association, and the University of Adelaide.
Associate Professor Armando Maria Corsi, Director of the Wine Business Group at the Adelaide Business School said:
“It’s a privilege to deliver this program, collaboratively designed by the Great Wine Capitals Steering Committee Members for Adelaide, South Australia.
“By integrating diverse perspectives from industry and institutional leaders, we’ve crafted an educational experience that equips participants with the skills to enhance business strategies, create memorable tourism experiences, and foster sustainable growth.”
Dr David Jaud, Program Director Wine Business at the University of Adelaide said:
“This program is not only a uniquely valuable opportunity for professional development but also a vital contribution to ensuring South Australia’s wine industry remains globally competitive and continues to thrive in an ever-evolving market.”
Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism said:
“Domestic and international customer preferences in wine and wine tourism experiences are changing rapidly and the South Australian wine industry needs to be able to quickly respond to new demands and expectations to keep customers engaged.
“This innovative educational program has been carefully designed by Adelaide Business School’s wine business and tourism world-class experts to ensure it has South Australian industry context.
“I encourage early- to mid-career wine industry professionals to apply and make the most of this fantastic opportunity, made possible through Adelaide’s membership in the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.”
Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development said:
“Membership of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network acknowledges South Australia as Australia’s premier wine state, producing more than 80 per cent of the nation’s premium wine from some of the oldest vines in the world.
“This educational offering will greatly benefit the wine business and tourism sector, building on the existing talent and boosting knowledge and skills that will ensure South Australia maintains its position as one of the best wine regions in the world.
“Participants will be better positioned to handle the growing complexities of the industry, achieve more with available resources, build leadership and personal capabilities, and successfully combine evidence-based data and creative ideas for business success.”
