Future Leaders FAQ's

You are here because you’ve heard about Future Leaders and you’re keen to explore what this program is all about, but still have a few questions?

Read through the following and if you still have a few questions floating around drop us an email at: research@wineaustralia.com.

What is Wine Future Leaders?

Wine Future Leaders is a renowned leadership development program designed to inspire and upskill individuals in the Australian grape and wine sector to create meaningful change. Running for nearly two decades with over 150 graduates, it is Wine Australia’s flagship program that continues to grow and evolve.

Participants undertake a personal and professional leadership learning experience, gaining cutting-edge skills, exposure to world-class speakers, and personalised coaching from industry experts and program alumni.

The program challenges participants to find their voice, address some of the sector’s greatest challenges as opportunities, and collaborate on innovative solutions that will help shape the future of the industry.

Who is Future Leaders for?

Participants are typically mid-career. You are very likely at a stage where you have gained experience in the industry and are looking to advance.

Importantly, the success of Future Leaders is the diversity of participants. This is a program where we encourage and champion all roles across the wine sector value-chain and ecosystem; where the only thing you’ll need is an ambition and openness to learn (oh, and you already work in the Australian grape and wine sector).

If you’re not sure if this is the opportunity for you, please reach out, we're here to help.

Who is Future Leaders not for?

Anyone who doesn’t work in the Australian grape and wine sector (sorry, it’s not personal).

What if i’m not a leader?

This program is about fostering world-class leadership qualities regardless of your current role or title.

Those already in a leadership position will be challenged to grow, those not currently in a leadership role will be guided with skills that will serve them now and into the future.

If you are in a role where you influence other people, influence customers or if you wish to have a greater influence across the sector more broadly then you’ll reap the many benefits from this program.

Isn’t this program more for technical winemakers?

No.

The future success of the Australian grape and wine sector is having a diversity of voices collaborating together, strengthening their skills, and cross-pollinating success. That’s what this program is creating.

Our alumni are made up of winemakers, scientists, sommeliers, marketers, viticulturists, administrators, researchers, exporters, business owners and more.

I’m not so sure about a leadership program, will we have to do role-plays, and watch old John Cleese videos?

Never. Ever. (Promise).

Through Future Leaders you’ll be exposed to the latest research on leadership skills, hear from sector and thought leading experts, and be given practical skills to put into place immediately.

This program is world-class.

What qualities are you looking for in the successful applicants?

An inquisitive mind, enthusiasm and an openness to exploration. You bring those and we’ll provide the rest.

If qualities such as self-awareness, communication, influence and learning agility matter to you, then this is the leadership program for you.

What are the program delivery dates for 2025?

All participants will need to confirm their willingness and availability to attend all sessions. Additional time beyond these dates is also required for associated activities and coaching.

Wednesday 11 - Friday 13 June (Casuarina, Northern NSW)
Wednesday 9 - Friday 11 July (Melbourne, Victoria)
Wednesday 13 August (Virtual)
Tuesday 16 - Thursday 18 September (Adelaide Hills, South Australia)
Wednesday 15 - Friday 17 October (Hunter Valley, NSW)
Monday 24 November (Adelaide, South Australia)
Tuesday 25 November GRADUATION (National Wine Centre, Adelaide, South Australia)

Please note the November dates were originally advertised as 27-28 November.

Additional time outside of the sessions are:

Coaching - 6 x 1 hour sessions (the first of these will happen during the program in Melbourne)
Writing your chapter for the Thought Leadership book

What will it cost me?

The program is fully funded by the grape and wine sector through research levies administered and managed by Wine Australia.

Participants are expected to fund their own travel and accommodation costs, as required (accommodation is covered at the first session). This will vary depending on your location. Catering during program sessions is covered but evening meals are not covered by the program.

Who decides on placements offered?

Wine Australia convenes a selection panel with representatives from Wine Australia, Australian Grape & Wine and Future Leaders alumni. They’ve got a tough job ahead of them – we can only accept 15 into the program.

How do I apply?

Want to take part in the Wine Future Leaders program?

Applications for Future Leaders 2025 closed on 24 March 2025. Successful applicants will be notified in the week beginning 12 May 2025.

If you would like to be advised when applications for Future Leaders 2027 open please email research@wineaustralia.com.

Access and Inclusion

If you have any access or support requirements in order to participate in this application process fully, please email research@wineaustralia.com or call Jo Hargreaves on 08 8228 2000.

We appreciate there is still a level of uncertainty around the impact of COVID, and the risks vary for individuals. Our first priority will be the health and well-being of everyone in and associated with the program. Please be assured that we will follow the health and safety measures required during our face-to-face sessions. There will be additional support for participants who miss sessions as a result of health issues.

People development in the Australian wine sector

If you have read this far and decided that applying for Future Leaders is not the right step for you at this point in time, please visit Wine Australia's website to explore other opportunities.

www.wineaustralia.com/research_and_innovation/in-practice/people-development