Ten South Australian professionals have been awarded scholarships to help them become the next generation of leaders in our world-renowned wine and tourism sectors.
Now in its second year, the 2026 Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program provides valuable upskilling and career development opportunities for early- to mid-career wine and tourism industry professionals.
This forward-thinking initiative is aimed at empowering professionals to strengthen our state's wine and tourism sectors, and to develop the adaptability, knowledge and resilience to better prepare for future challenges and opportunities in their industry.
The Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program is a Great Wine Capitals initiative, proudly delivered by Adelaide University and backed by the Malinauskas Labor Government.
Wine and tourism industry professionals from seven different South Australian wine regions were awarded scholarships. Applicants from other industries with transferrable skills and an interest in transitioning into the wine and tourism sectors were also considered, in a bid to attract and support new talent for the industry.
2026 Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program scholarship recipients:
Scholarship recipients |
Business |
Region |
Ben Shaw |
Home of Plenty |
Currency Creek |
Charlie O'Brien |
Silent Noise Wines |
McLaren Vale |
Emma Hart |
Down The Rabbit Hole Wines |
McLaren Vale |
Jessica Nicholls |
Kimbolton Wines |
Langhorne Creek |
Madison Pike |
Pikes Wines |
Clare Valley |
Megan Paisley |
Shaw + Smith |
Adelaide Hills |
Priscila Tamara Diniz |
Eighteen Fifty & Co |
Clare Valley |
Sally McDonald |
Zema Estate |
Coonawarra |
Samantha Cartwright |
Gibson Wines |
Barossa |
Stephen Lindner |
Turkey Flat Vineyards |
Barossa |
The program will run over six days in May 2026, during which scholarship recipients will learn how to identify new opportunities, adopt sustainable practices, negotiate effectively, and build their brand.
In the final masterclass, participants will connect with a curated group of internationally renowned speakers from the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, including those from South Australia and from other leading wine regions worldwide.
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network is an exclusive group of 11 globally recognised wine regions, including iconic destinations such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Adelaide joining the alliance.
Adelaide's membership of the network is made possible thanks to the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), South Australian Tourism Commission, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, and Adelaide University.
