Applications are now open for the 2025 Wine Industry Mentor Program with anyone working in the grape and wine community, welcome to apply from viticulture to winemaking, research to logistics, marketing, sales, media, and more.
The initiative is aimed at boosting the personal and professional development of those early in their careers, helping to secure the future generations of the Australian wine industry.
For the first time the Wine Industry Mentor Program will also be pairing up a small number of professionals with international mentors from the USA, UK, and NZ.
In 2025 the program is also offering mid-career applicants and previous successful mentees the opportunity to not only take on the role as a mentor but also be a mentee to more senior mentors to further their personal development.
Running over six months from June to November 2025, the program will feature a range of mentor meetings, development sessions and access to resources and industry specific information to address the needs of mentees.
Since launching in 2019, the program has offered more than 260 mentees one-on-one mentoring from leaders across the Australian grape and wine sector.
Tim Blair was a 2024 mentee and praises the opportunity provided by the program.
“The mentorship program has been a transformative experience, enabling me to connect with an incredible mentor who provided invaluable guidance and support, significantly influencing my career and perspective within the industry,” he said.
This year’s successful applicants will be given the opportunity to network with like-minded peers and develop professional confidence, fostering renewed commitment to their region, role, and potential for future success.
The program is managed by key industry bodies including the Wine Communicators of Australia, supported by The University of Adelaide, Wine Australia, the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology and the Wine Industry Suppliers Association.