Seven undergraduate viticulture and oenology students from the University of Adelaide have undertaken a 10-week placement in an Australian winery during the 2025 vintage with the support of funding from Wine Australia through its Further Afield Scholarship program.
The competitive scholarship program is aimed at supporting and encouraging undergraduate and post-graduate students to undertake placements outside of grapegrowing and winemaking regions surrounding metropolitan Adelaide by assisting with the costs of travel and accommodation.
“All of these students have been outstanding students in the winery. They are all brilliant candidates and have bright futures in the industry,” said Jill Bauer, coordinator of the scholarship program.
“This scholarship will assist me financially to relocate to Victoria and pursue my dream of working in the Yarra Valley,” said scholarship recipient Lauren McKay, whose placement is at Oakridge Wines. “I grew up in the Yarra Valley and I truly believe my passion for the region is the reason why I've ended up in the wine industry. To return there for Vintage 2025 and work in my homeland is very special.”
Scholarship recipient Thomas Bell also headed to Oakridge Wines for his placement.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work in the Yarra Valley as it is something completely new for me,” Bell said. “This experience will help me to gain knowledge and practical skills that will help set up my career as a winemaker.
“It’s very important to diversify the areas of experience early on in your career to get a complete understanding of Australia’s great winemaking,” he said.
Angus Blieschke headed west to Howard Park Wines for his placement.
“I have always wanted to work interstate for vintage. Margaret River seems like an amazing place to work with varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet that I haven’t worked with as much. It will be an awesome opportunity to learn and experience new things,” Blieschke said.
The other recipients to receive a Further Afield Scholarship are Shelby Haggett (Balnaves, Coonawarra), Zena Hudnott (Brokenwood, Hunter Valley), Max Parsons (Moss Wood, Margaret River) and Imogen Sims (Cherubino Wines, Margaret River).