Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program

Applications now open for Australian early-career winemakers and viticulturists

Dates: 29 August – 25 September 2026
Locations: Beijing • Ningxia (Yinchuan) • Shandong (Yantai)
Cohort: Four Australian early-career winemakers/viticulturists

Apply by 5:00pm AEST, Sunday 26 July 2026 – APPLY ONLINE HERE

About the Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program

The Australia–China Winemaker Immersion Program is an industry-first exchange initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, technical learning and long‑term relationships between the Australian and Chinese wine industries. Delivered by Treasury Wine Estates in partnership with Australian Grape & Wine, Wine Australia and the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and supported by the South Australian Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the program brings together emerging wine industry talent from both countries through hands‑on, in‑market immersion experiences.

Conducted over two reciprocal legs, the program sees winemakers and viticulturists from each country selected to experience wine, winemaking and viticultural education and practical exposure in each other’s markets.

By fostering two‑way knowledge exchange and enduring industry connections, the Australia–China Winemaker Immersion Program supports innovation, capability‑building and long‑term cooperation between two of the world’s most dynamic wine sectors, while helping to develop the next generation of internationally minded wine industry professionals.

Why apply?

Immerse yourself in China’s dynamic wine sector with hands-on production experience, technical learning, and market insights – all designed to build skills, networks, and cultural understanding that last a lifetime.

Across an engaging four-week program, participants will receive practical exposure to Chinese winemaking and viticultural practice during the 2026 harvest across two of China’s major wine producing provinces, Shandong and Ningxia.

Participants will also enjoy local cultural experiences and engagements with leading Chinese institutions and industry bodies that will expand your professional perspectives and deepen global industry knowledge.

Participants will become part of a growing network of Australian and Chinese wine professionals committed to strengthening technical collaboration, innovation and long-term industry relationships between the two countries

What you’ll experience

• Winery immersion in two of China’s major wine regions, including hands-on experience at Penfolds Ningxia Winery.
• Technical learning with local industry experts in winemaking and viticulture in each region.
• Market exposure in Beijing, including engagements with the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and industry partners.
• Cultural experiences including city tours of Beijing, Yantai and Yinchuan.

Who should apply

We welcome early-career Australian winemakers or viticulturists who are collaborative, curious, and eager to build international experience and professional networks.

Selection criteria

Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Relevant experience and leadership potential: You are an early-career Australian wine industry professional working in winemaking or viticulture. You demonstrate leadership potential within the Australian wine industry and a commitment to contributing to the future development of the sector beyond your own organisation.

• Motivation and learning goals: You can clearly explain why you want to take part in the Australia–China Winemaker Immersion Program, what you hope to learn from China’s wine regions, and how the experience will support your professional development.
• Technical curiosity and knowledge sharing: You show a genuine interest in learning about different winemaking and viticultural practices, sharing knowledge with peers, and contributing to two-way technical exchange between the Australian and Chinese wine industries.
• Communication and ambassadorial skills: You can communicate confidently with a range of audiences and demonstrate the professionalism, adaptability and interpersonal skills required to represent the Australian wine industry in an international setting.
• Industry impact: You can explain how you intend to apply and share the insights, networks and experience gained through the program with your workplace, region or the broader Australian wine community.
• Capacity to maximise the opportunity: You have the support of your employer (where applicable) and the capacity to fully participate in all elements of the program and implement learnings on your return.

As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to upload a short video of up to 60 seconds responding to the selection criteria along with a copy of their CV. The video does not need to be professionally produced; it is simply an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves, explain their interest in the program, and describe what they hope to contribute and take away from the experience.

Program outputs

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be expected to participate in post-program engagement activities, including:

Knowledge sharing session

Participants will be expected to deliver at least one knowledge-sharing activity within six months, for example:

• a webinar
• regional presentation
• conference presentation
• industry article.

Program report and technical case study

Each participant is expected to prepare a program report summarising:

• three key learnings
• how they intend to apply them
• anticipated benefits for their organisation, region or broader industry.

Key learning should consider a technical practice, technology or innovation observed in China that could have relevance to Australian producers.

Ongoing alumni network

Participants become members of the Australia–China Winemaker Immersion Program alumni network and may be invited to:

• mentor future participants
• contribute to future exchange activities
• participate in industry events
• support visiting Chinese delegates.

Follow-up evaluation

To demonstrate the value of the program to partners and government, participants may be invited to provide a short update outlining how they have applied their learnings, maintained industry relationships and shared knowledge with the Australian wine sector.

Inclusions:

The program includes return economy flights to China, all accommodation, transfers, and meals (excluding on leisure days). 

How to apply

1. Read the brochure for details: Program Brochure
2. Complete the online application, including:
   1. A copy of your CV
   1. 60 second video addressing the selection criteria
3. Submit by 5:00pm AEST, Sunday 26 July 2026.

Program partners

Australian Grape & Wine (AGW) • Wine Australia • China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA) • Treasury Wine Estates

Proudly supported by PIRSA.

From our partners

Lee McLean, Chief Executive, Australian Grape & Wine

“We are delighted to see Australian winemakers gain a deeper appreciation of China’s wine regions, consumers, and production practices. Our industries face common challenges in areas such as sustainability, climate adaptation, and meeting the expectations of a new generation of wine consumers. This program equips participants to address those challenges together.”

Kerrin Petty, Chief Supply & Sustainability Officer, Treasury Wine Estates

“This program is about more than technical skills – it’s about cultural exchange, mutual respect, and lasting relationships across the Australian and Chinese wine industries. After seeing the passion and dedication of the visiting Chinese wine professionals, we welcome applications from Australian winemakers and viticulturists ready to broaden their horizons, share ideas, and learn from one of the world’s most dynamic wine markets.”

Questions?

Contact: lisa@agw.org.au