The recipients will undertake bespoke journeys to their selected Great Wine Capital of Adelaide, South Australia, engaging with key industry, regional, and educational stakeholders. Upon their return, each will share their learnings, within their respective areas of interest, with the wider Hawke’s Bay wine industry to ensure the knowledge gained is shared throughout the region.

A key focus for each of the recipients is around sustainability of vineyard management and wine production, and specifically include:  

• Ryan Fraser, Vineyard Manager at Paritua Vineyards – Soil and vine health practices that lead to wine quality improvements, with an intent to inform vineyard management goals for growing better grapes and meeting sustainability targets.  See here for Ryan’s Presentation.
• Sara Macdonald, Assistant Winemaker at Sileni Estates – futureproofing against climate change using different grape varieties and regenerative viticulture; learning from University of Adelaide NOLO (no and low alcohol) trial research facility; and meet with wine and tourism regional bodies and top wineries and cellar doors to discuss their marketing strategies and innovative experiences offered.  See here for Sara’s Presentation
• Gavin Dalton, Assistant Winemaker at Brookfields Estate – gather knowledge around water saving initiatives that can assist in mitigating climate change effects. Seeking learnings to help wineries to reduce the water use per litre of wine produced. See here for Gavin’s Report and his Presentation.