South Australian wine tourism owners and managers are invited to apply for the next round of an education program aimed at building wine, business and tourism capability and supporting the sector to respond to future challenges.
The Great Wine Capitals Adelaide chapter is offering up to 10 scholarships, along with additional paid places, for the 2026 Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program.
The program is targeted at early to mid career wine industry professionals seeking to build skills and move into more senior roles. Professionals from other industries with transferable skills and an interest in moving into wine business or tourism are also encouraged to apply.
“South Australia’s wine and tourism industries are a cornerstone of our visitor economy, and programs like the Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program are critical to building a skilled, future-ready workforce,” said minister for tourism and multicultural affairs Zoe Bettison.
“By investing in education and professional development, we are ensuring South Australia’s tourism sector remains globally competitive, innovative and resilient in the face of future challenges.”
This is the second year of the program, following its introduction in 2025. Feedback from participants showed strong satisfaction, with 87 per cent reporting expanded knowledge and 97 per cent describing the experience as valuable.
The six day program will run in May 2026 and is designed to strengthen the capability of current industry participants while attracting new entrants to the sector.
Delivered by Adelaide University, the program will cover marketing, branding, entrepreneurship, digital communication, distribution, negotiation, cellar door experiences and the use of wine and tourism resources.
The final masterclass will include engagement with speakers from the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, including representatives from South Australia and international wine regions.
“South Australia is the premier wine state, producing more than 80 per cent of the nation’s premium wine,” said minister for primary industries and regional development Clare Scriven.
“It is critical that we invest in education, upskilling industry professionals, and attracting and retaining new talent in the sector.”
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network comprises 11 recognised wine regions, including Bordeaux and Napa Valley. Adelaide’s participation in the network is supported through a partnership involving the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, the South Australian Tourism Commission, the South Australian Wine Industry Association and Adelaide University.
“The strong results from the inaugural program, with graduates reporting significant improvements in knowledge and confidence, demonstrate the real value of initiatives like this in driving growth across our regions,” said Bettison.
“This program is about backing talent, building confidence and creating the next generation of industry leaders and I would like to encourage South Australians with a passion for wine, tourism and business to put their hand up and apply.”
Applications open today and close on 6 February 2026.
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