Wine Australia backed ‘Next Crop’ program identifies 15 Margaret River wine region vignerons

Wine Australia and the local industry have unveiled a team of 15 emerging leaders who will be supported in a specialist program to vouchsafe the future of the Margaret River region.

The Next Crop program will see a group of vignerons undertake a professional and personal development program during the next 12 months through specialist sessions developing leadership as well as industry-based skills.

The Next Crop team includes many well-known names and faces from Margaret River regional vineyards including Fermoy Estate, Voyager, Vasse Felix and Xanadu.

Margaret River Wine Association chief executive Amanda Whiteland said the investment in the local industry was reason for excitement.

“Our pitch to secure this leadership program funding was based on our relative isolation, limited wine industry-specific tertiary programs, and the need to increase diversity, pass on skills, retain the next-generation and compete with the mining industry’s drawcard,” she said.

“We are really pleased to be able to offer this program.

“The 15 participants selected for the Next Crop program come with diverse experiences and backgrounds from across the sector. It will be exciting to see what they gain from this program.”

A Wine Australia spokesperson said the program’s “clear objective” was building confidence and providing development opportunities to keep future industry leaders engaged and committed to the region and their careers.

Participants voiced enthusiasm for the local support venture.

Swings & Roundabouts general manager Natasha Lynch saw her role in the program as “pivotal” to her future career growth.

“This will not only enhance my strategic leadership capabilities within my business, but also contribute positively to the advancement of the Margaret River wine industry as a whole,” she said.

Fraser Gallop Estate winemaker Ellin Tritt welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the industry “in a meaningful way”.

“I hope to refine skills I have already developed, along with learning new ways to engage, lead and contribute to the Australian wine community,” she said.

Juniper Estate assistant vineyard manager Daniel Stocker said the program would support the continuation of the region’s leadership.

“The Margaret River region has been served incredibly well, over more than 50 years, by a succession of wonderful leaders,” he said.

“Programs like this provide an awesome opportunity to work with a group of engaged, passionate and talented wine professionals to build on their legacy and drive our region forward.”

The Next Crop program first started in 2021 and has run in two wine regions annually.