Sam Boyd, Derek Pei, Amber Venning and Jack Burns, the 2025 winemaker immersion participants at Penfolds Magill

Applications are open for Treasury Wine Estates’ (TWE) Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program that will see four successful applicants travel to China at the end of August.

The program is in its second year and invites viticulturists and winemakers from across Australia to apply for the four-week exchange that connects industry professionals from each country.

Winemakers and viticulturists will be immersed in the broader wine industry, including research and development, winemaking techniques, viticultural education and practical exposure within each other’s markets.

“This program is about more than technical skills – it’s about cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and lasting relationships across the Australian and Chinese wine industries,” said Kerrin Petty, Chief Supply & Sustainability Officer for TWE.

“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.”

Delivered by TWE in partnership with Australian Grape & Wine, Wine Australia and the China Alcoholic Drinks Association, the program supports innovation, capability building and long-term cooperation between both markets.

Lee McLean, Chief Executive at Australian Grape & Wine shared Petty’s sentiment, praising the collaborative nature of the program.

“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,” he said.

Designed to nurture the next generation of international wine industry professionals, the Australian cohort will spend four weeks in China during the country’s 2026 harvest, travelling to the Ningxia and Shandong wine regions.

“This harvest season, we’ll be delighted to welcome participants to China,” said Xingsan Huo, Secretary General, Wine Branch, China Alcoholic Drinks Association. 

“In March, Chinese winemakers visited Australia’s industry with a thirst for knowledge. Now, we’re honoured to connect Australian winemakers and viticulturists to a land equally rich in winemaking wisdom.

“Wine is the essence of terroir and a bond of friendship – this exchange will be an opportunity to share winemaking expertise, and importantly, build a strong dialogue between our cultures. Participants will experience the unique charm of China’s wine regions, marking a new beginning for collaboration between the wine industries in our two nations.”

The next participants will engage with not only the China Alcoholic Drinks Association but also China Agricultural University, diplomatic representatives and selected customers, fostering deeper relationships and practical knowledge sharing.

A TWE delegation joined the Australia China Business Council this June to visit Yaochi Xiye winery in Xinjiang, reconnecting with Kou Yaqin, one of the Chinese winemakers who took part in the Australian leg of the program earlier in 2026.

During her time in South Australia, Yaqin explored region-specific viticulture challenges of irrigation and rootstock selection for warm and dry growing conditions.

Since returning to Xinjiang, she has successfully modified vineyard irrigation, with a longer-term rootstock project underway through a new nursery block developed with the Grape Research Institute of the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Wine Australia CEO Dr Martin Cole also emphasised the program’s value and the opportunities it enables.

“China is an important and evolving market for Australian wine. This program gives emerging winemakers and viticulturists practical experience that builds technical knowledge, deepens market understanding and supports long-term relationships across the wine sector.”

He added: “We look forward to this year’s cohort returning from China with new insights and networks that help strengthen Australia’s engagement within our international wine industry.”

To apply, applicants must submit their CV and a video of up to 60 seconds addressing the program selection criteria. Applications close at 5:00pm AEST, Sunday, 26 July 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program – Australian Grape & Wine.