The 2024 Outbound Knowledge Exchange Bursary Program is designed to foster international collaboration and knowledge sharing among wine industry professionals. This initiative, part of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, offers a unique opportunity for professionals to enhance their expertise by learning from global counterparts.
The bursary recently allowed Tom Bartholomaeus, a sixth generation grape grower from Torbreck Vintners in the Barossa Valley, to travel to Verona, Italy, to study softy vine pruning methods and observe the methods in action on the regions old vines. Championed by the Barossa in a program dating back to 2017, soft pruning aims to promote vine health in old vines through less invasive pruning techniques, and promote their longevity and sustainability. Tom has introduced these methods in Torbreck’s precious old vine vineyards.
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Key Details
- Application Deadline: August 23, 2024, at 5 pm (ACST)
- Bursary Amount: $6,000 for travel between October 2024 and March 2025
- Eligibility: Wine industry professionals with expertise in tourism, sustainability, research and academia, winemaking, and viticulture
Areas of Interest
- Tourism: Focus on regional wine travel trends, customer service, tourism marketing, and more.
- Sustainability: Innovations in vineyard, winery, production, or packaging practices.
- Research and Academia: Researchers with commercial-ready solutions and collaboration opportunities with South Australian wine industry experts.
- Winemaking: Emphasis on emerging grape varieties, specific consumer targeting, and no/low alcohol winemaking.
- Viticulture: Adapting practices to climate change, biosecurity, agricultural technology, and water management.
Program Benefits
Recipients will travel to one or more Great Wine Capitals to exchange ideas and expand their networks. The bursary covers travel, accommodation, meetings with industry experts, immersion experiences, and relevant conference attendance. On their return, participants will share their insights at regional and industry events, enriching the South Australian wine community.
How to Apply
- Read the Program Guidelines: 2024 Outbound Knowledge Exchange Bursary Program Guidelines
- Gather Supporting Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents.
- Use the Application Guide: 2024 Outbound Knowledge Exchange Bursary Program Application Guide
- Complete the Online Application Form: Online Application Form
Note: Applications must be completed in one sitting. Draft your answers in a Word document before filling out the online form.
Tom Bartholomaeus from Torbreck Vintners.
