The 12 Australian wine professionals participating in the 2026 Len Evans Tutorial have been announced, selected from a record 193 applications.
Established in 2001 by Lean Evans AO OBE, the Len Evans Tutorial provides an invaluable training ground for future industry leaders, giving them the training and education to elevate their contribution to the Australian wine show system, and developing better all-round wine professionals.
Sally Evans, Chair of the Len Evans Tutorial Board, said: “193 applications were received this year, a record, with women making up two thirds of this year’s final scholar list, the highest ever.
“The selection panel continues to be overwhelmed by the quality and volume of applications. It’s a privilege to read each one, and we often follow the career progress of applicants over several years. As we can only welcome 12 scholars annually, persistence – sometimes across multiple applications – is often what it takes.”
Taking part in what will be the 24th Tutorial – held at Spicer’s Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley across five residential days from 2 – 6 November – this year’s successful scholars join more than 270 Tutorial alumni, many of whom have gone on to hold pivotal roles in the wine industry.
Last year’s Dux, Andrew Bretherton, Head Winemaker at Juniper Estate in Margaret River, described his experience as “the greatest wine week of my life”.
The 2026 Scholars include:
Alexandra Alavoine, Winemaker, Treasury Wine Estates, SA
Jessica Clark, Wine Science Tutor, University of Melbourne; Sales, Marketing and Winemaking, Dexter Wines, VIC
Jacopo Dalli Cani, Chief Winemaker, McHenry Hohnen Vintners, WA
Alice Davidson, Owner and Winemaker, Aunt Alice Wines, TAS
Brendan Hawker, Senior Winemaker, Yering Station, VIC
Annabel Holland, Senior Winemaker, First Creek Wines, NSW
Jacinta Jenkins, Winemaker, Pocket Gully, SA
Tom Kline, Wine Writer and Critic, VIC
Mike Latham, Senior Winemaker, Giant Steps Wine, VIC
Livia Maiorana, Co-owner and Winemaker, South by South West Wines, WA
Charlotte Newton, Owner and Winemaker, Cha Cha Wines; WSET Educator, WA
Emma Shaw, General Manager and Winemaker, Collector Wines, NSW
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