Wine Australia

While in Jakarta recently, Kati Vainionpaa co-presented a masterclass on Australia’s Regional Heroes with Stella Vania, W Academy. The masterclass explored the unique characteristics of regional wines and how these distinctive styles have helped shape Australia’s global reputation for quality and diversity.

With 35 trade professionals in attendance including sommeliers, on-trade buyers and retailers, the masterclass served as a valuable platform for ongoing trade education and market development, particularly among those already working with Australian wines.

Wines featured:

🍷 Torbreck Vintners ‘Woodcutter’s’ Barossa Valley Semillon 2024
🍷 Tyrrell's Wines ‘Belford’ Single Vineyard Hunter Valley Semillon 2016
🍷 Amelia Park ‘Reserve’ Frankland River Shiraz 2019
🍷 Kilikanoon Wines ‘The Killermans Run’ Clare Valley Shiraz 2021
🍷 Wynns Coonawarra ‘Black Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
🍷 Mollydooker Wines ‘Gigglepot’ McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Australia 2022

Thank you to all the participants, Stella Vania W Academy, supporting wineries and importers.

Members of industry came together in Langhorne Creek last week for a showcase event that provided a first-hand look at the technology developed for the Vineyard Post Reuse Pilot.

The event highlighted the mobile processing unit developed by the FABAL Group which removes nails and staples and cuts posts to length, without generating hazardous sawdust, creating a potential avenue of reuse for CCA-treated timber posts.

Attendees also heard about the pilot’s progress and future goals as a potential circular solution for this vineyard waste stream.

Highlighting the value of collaboration across industries and Research & Development Corporations in tackling shared challenges, the pilot is supported by Wine Australia, Forest & Wood Products Australia, the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life and a range of other industry partners. Additional funding for the pilot has also been provided by the SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions as part of the South Australian Wine Recovery Program.

The project is led by Ashley Keegan, CEO of the FABAL Group, who built the machinery — now rumoured to be considering suggestions from the day that future iterations of the machine incorporate a coffee-making function to maximise functionality!

WoodSolutions University of the Sunshine Coast

Congratulations to Jerome Scarborough and Liz Riley of Scarborough Wine Co. on being named Jurd’s Real Estate 2026 Viticulturist of the Year at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards.

A valued member of the Wine Australia Board, Liz is recognised across the industry for her leadership, innovation and contribution to Australian viticulture.

Speaking about the award, Liz reflected on the partnership she shares with Jerome:

“With our personal and professional life intertwined, it’s not the usual working relationship. Common purpose, aligned philosophy and open minds have been key - along with a sense of humour. We’re definitely better as a team. As they say, you can go fast alone or further together.”

Congratulations to Liz, Jerome and the Scarborough team on this well-deserved recognition.

We’re ready for Vinexpo Asia 2026 🍷

Excited for three days of connecting with trade and media, sharing insights, and building what’s next for Australian wine in Asia.

Released to coincide with Vinexpo Asia, the latest ‘Voice of the Industry’ includes an opening from Martin Cole along with an article from Sarah Roberts exploring the evolving wine landscape across Asia, and why Australia is well positioned to navigate this next phase of growth.

Vinexpo is where opportunities come to life, strengthening partnerships and showcasing the quality and diversity that Australian wine brings to the region.

Find us at the Australian Wine Pavilion (L1, E302). See you there!

To read the full article, hit this link and create a free account 👉 https://www.vinexposium.com/voice/voice-6/

2026 Vinexposium

Creating fairer, safer and more supportive workplaces was front and centre at this year’s London Wine Fair.

As part of the Drinks United session exploring the results of its recent industry survey, Wine Australia’s Laura Jewell joined a panel discussion focused on raising standards across the drinks sector - from safeguarding and workplace culture to leadership, wellbeing and pay equity.

Laura shared insights from Wine Australia’s Gender Equity Toolkit work, highlighting why addressing the gender pay gap is not only an inclusion issue, but also a business performance issue - supporting retention, trust, productivity and stronger long-term outcomes.

Importantly, the Australian Wine Industry Gender Equity Toolkit was recognised as a practical resource businesses can use to take meaningful action, wherever they are based.

Thank you to The Drinks Trust, Drinks United and all panellists for contributing to an important industry conversation.

Australian Grape & Wine

Continuing our engagement across Southeast Asia, Kati Vainionpaa was in Jakarta recently championing Australian wine with local trade.

At the Asian Young Sommeliers Luncheon tasting, Kati hosted a group of top sommeliers, including members of the Indonesian Sommelier Association, alongside Stella Vania (Wine Educator and Co-Founder, W Academy). The Luncheon paired Australian wines with Indonesian (fusion) cuisine and discussed the versatility and food-friendly nature of Australian wines.

Wines featured:

🍷 Henschke ‘Innes Vineyard’ Eden Valley Pinot Gris 2024
🍷 Tahbilk Wines Nagambie Lakes Marsanne 2024
🍷 Amelia Park Wines Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2022
🍷 Hugh Hamilton Wines “Oddball” McLaren Vale Saperavi 2023
🍷 Levantine Hill Levant Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
🍷 Luke Lambert Yarra Valley Syrah 2024

Thank you to all the participants and the Indonesian Sommelier Association members, Stella Vania W Academy, supporting wineries and importers.