South Australian wine tourism owners and managers are encouraged to apply for the next round of an educational program designed to deepen wine, business and tourism knowledge, helping the sector prepare for future challenges.
Shut The Gate Wines, Clare Valley. Credit: Josh Geelen
Great Wine Capitals' (GWC) Adelaide chapter is again offering up to 12 scholarships, along with additional paid places, in the 2026 Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program.
The program is designed for early to mid-career wine industry professionals seeking to upskill and progress into more senior roles.
Experienced professionals from other industries who have transferable skills and an interest in transitioning into the wine business and tourism sector are also encouraged to apply.
This is the second edition of the initiative, following the inaugural 2025 program, which was widely praised by both graduates and the broader industry.
In a survey of previous participants, 87 per cent reported the course significantly expanded their knowledge, and 97 per cent described the overall experience as highly valuable.
Running over six days in May 2026, the program seeks to strengthen the capability of current wine industry professionals and attract new talent to the sector.
Delivered by Adelaide University, the program will provide best-practice insights to help participants:
- set the key elements of the marketing mix to develop a clear brand positioning,
- develop or strengthen an entrepreneurial mindset,
- build and protect brand reputation,
- design effective digital communication strategies,
- identify appropriate distribution channels,
- negotiate effectively with channel partners,
- develop engaging cellar door and tourism experiences, and
- optimise the use of available wine and tourism resources.
In the final masterclass, participants will connect with a curated group of internationally renowned speakers from the GWC Global Network - South Australia chapter and across the world's leading wine regions.
The GWC Global Network is an exclusive group of 11 internationally recognised wine regions, including iconic destinations, such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
Adelaide, South Australia's membership of the network is a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), South Australian Tourism Commission, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, and Adelaide University.
Applications for the Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program open today and close on 6 February 2026.
