Pictured: Home of Plenty
South Australia’s next wave of wine and tourism leaders is getting a major boost, with 10 professionals from across the state awarded scholarships through the 2026 Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program.
Now in its second year, the program is designed to support early- to mid-career professionals working in wine and tourism, helping them build the leadership, business and strategic skills needed to shape the future of two of South Australia’s most important industries.
Delivered by Adelaide University and backed by the Malinauskas Government, the initiative will bring together scholarship recipients from seven South Australian wine regions for six days of intensive learning in May. Participants will explore everything from identifying new opportunities and adopting sustainable practices to negotiation and brand building.
The scholarship recipients represent a strong cross-section of the state’s wine sector, with names from McLaren Vale, Barossa, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek and Currency Creek all making the list. Applicants from outside the sector with transferable skills and an interest in moving into wine and tourism were also considered, helping attract fresh talent into the industry.
Among those selected for 2026 are representatives from well-known names including Turkey Flat Vineyards, Gibson Wines, Shaw + Smith, Pikes Wines, Zema Estate and Down The Rabbit Hole Wines, alongside a range of other South Australian businesses.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the scholarship recipients would play an important role in keeping the state at the forefront of global wine business and tourism.
“I congratulate the scholarship recipients for this year’s Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program. I have no doubt that their passion and expertise will help keep South Australia at the forefront of global wine business and tourism,” she said.
Scriven also pointed to the global standing of the local industry, saying South Australia produces more than 80 per cent of the nation’s premium wine, with some of the oldest vines in the world. She said the government remained committed to investing in the knowledge and skills of wine and tourism professionals to maintain the state’s premium position.
Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said the sector remains central to the state’s visitor economy and that backing local talent is vital to keeping South Australia globally competitive.
“South Australia is home to many acclaimed wine regions, and this sector plays a crucial part in our tourism industry,” she said.
“This program is an investment in education and professional development, allowing us to back in our talent and ensure the wine tourism sector remains globally competitive.”
The final masterclass will connect participants with internationally renowned speakers from the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, an alliance of 11 recognised wine regions around the world. This year also marks 10 years since Adelaide joined the network, further underlining South Australia’s place on the global wine stage.
With strong regional representation and a focus on future-proofing the industry, the program is not just about professional development. It is also about strengthening the long-term resilience, innovation and global reputation of South Australia’s wine tourism sector.
2026 Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program scholarship recipients:
Scholarship recipientsBusinessRegionBen ShawHome of PlentyCurrency CreekCharlie O’BrienSilent Noise WinesMcLaren ValeEmma HartDown The Rabbit Hole WinesMcLaren ValeJessica NichollsKimbolton WinesLanghorne CreekMadison PikePikes WinesClare ValleyMegan PaisleyShaw + SmithAdelaide HillsPriscila Tamara DinizEighteen Fifty & CoClare ValleySally McDonaldZema EstateCoonawarraSamantha CartwrightGibson WinesBarossaStephen LindnerTurkey Flat VineyardsBarossa
