The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) and Wine Australia have revealed the names of the 17 young people who will be State Champions for the Rootlings Wine Industry Youth Network.
The national Rootlings program was established six months ago following a successful trial in NSW, with Jenna Vaughan appointed as the National Project Officer. Over the last six months Vaughan has engaged hundreds of young people in the wine industry to discuss the issues and opportunities facing them.
Vaughan said: “Rootlings is a dynamic network dedicated to fostering relationships, facilitating professional development, and promoting continuous learning among young professionals in the wine industry.
“The enthusiasm of our State Champions is a clear testament to the passion and dedication young people have for shaping the wine industry. These individuals have generously volunteered their time, demonstrating a strong desire to contribute and connect.
“Throughout 2025 and beyond, our State Champions will be instrumental in activating in-region opportunities. These initiatives will provide young professionals with invaluable chances to learn collaboratively and grow professionally, ensuring a vibrant and innovative future for the wine sector.”
The State Champions will help spread the word about Rootlings in each state, and bring other young people together in there area.
This year’s State Champions are:
South Australia
- Sarah Lavelle, DTC Manager for Seven Hill Cellars, Clare Valley
- Maddie LeMire, Winemaker at Balnaves of Coonawarra, Coonawarra
- Alexandra Alavoine, Winemaker at Kirrihill, Clare Valley
- Erin Armstrong, Assistant Winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara, McLaren Vale
- Michelle Li, Winemaker at Knappstein Wines from Clare Valley
Victoria
- Courtney Keegan, Wine Merchant at Dan Murphys
- Lucy Austen-Paine, Assistant Winemaker at Blue Pyrenees Estate, Pyrenees
- Lachie Tenace, Winemaker at Eastern Peake and Latta Vino, Western Victoria
- Alice Spinaze, Cellarhand at Yarra Yerring, Yarra Valley
New South Wales
- Maggie Jarrett, Export & Sustainability Manager, See Saw Wines, Orange (who was a driving force behind the original concept piloted in NSW)
- Allanna Wigley, Direct Sales Manager, De Iuliis Wines, Hunter Valley
- Bec Watson, Projects and Event Assistant at NSW Wine Industry Association
- Emily Glover, Winemaker at Glover Wines, Hunter Valley
Western Australia
- Sam Palmer, Winemaker at Castle Rock Estate, Great Southern
- Laura Penniment, Marketing Manager, Alkoomi Wines, Frankland River
Tasmania
- Mia McIntyre, Area Business Manager for Joval Wines
- Brent Harris, Vineyard Operator at Jansz, Tasmania
The Rootlings program is supported by Wine Australia, with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. ASVO and Wine Australia said they acknowledge NSW Wine, NSW DPI and Maggie Jarrett for the original Rootlings concept.