Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has completed the Australian leg of the 2026 Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program, an intensive three-week exchange program across South Australia’s wine regions including McLaren Vale, the Barossa Valley, and the Adelaide Hills.
Now in its second year, the Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program is an industry-first exchange designed to foster talent and deepen cultural understanding through immersion into the winemaking practices and market dynamics of both countries. Designed, led and delivered by TWE, the program is supported by Australian Grape & Wine and the China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA), as part of TWE’s long‑term strategic cooperation agreement with CADA. It has also received funding through the South Australian government’s $1.85 million Wine Exporters China Re-Engagement Support Program.
Source: TWE
The program was launched at TWE’s Shanghai office in February 2025, after Australia’s trade and tourism minister, Senator Don Farrell, and several other government officials visited the office in November to discuss ways to build greater cooperation between Australian and Chinese wine industries, following the dropping of heavy tariffs imposed in 2020. The inaugural Australian stage took place last March.
For the 2026 edition, Chinese winemakers Yang Zhe, Kou Yaqin, and Cai Jieling, together with viticulture expert Zheng Wei, explored winemaking and viticulture practice and academic research, and experienced hands-on winery and vineyard operations during the vintage season.
TWE hosted participants, industry partners, and government representatives from both nations at the Penfolds Magill Estate for a special closing ceremony event and high-level roundtable discussion on Australia-China relations.
TWE chief supply and sustainability officer, Kerrin Petty, said the company was proud to once again deliver this program on behalf of the wine industry associations in Australia and China.
“The participants have been immersed in the very best of South Australia’s food, wine, and tourism culture – hosted by our talented and passionate teams at the most exciting time of year in wine: vintage,” said Petty.
“We wish them well in their future careers and look forward to seeing how their insight into Australian winemaking practice and research helps to shape the future success of the wine industry.”
Over the three week program, the group was hosted by TWE teams in Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Penfolds Magill Estate, alongside visits to Adelaide University’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, the Australian Wine Research Institute, Wine Australia and the South Australian Wine Industry Association, providing exposure to both practical and academic perspectives shaping the future of the industry. The program has also been supported this year by several South Australian wine producers, including Yalumba, Petaluma, Seppeltsfield, Auswan and Mollydooker Wines.
South Australian minister for primary industries and regional development, Clare Scriven, said with the state’s diverse and celebrated wine regions, South Australia has earned a reputation as the birthplace of some of the world’s best wines, made using innovative viticultural and production techniques.
“We’re committed to strengthening the wine industry’s engagement with China, and programs like this winemaker immersion ensure that we continue to build long-standing relationships and opportunities for collaboration and growth,” said Scriven.
Applications for the 2026 outbound leg of the program for the 2026 China vintage period later this year will open to Australian winemakers and industry professionals in the coming months.
