We are delighted to announce that our Executive Officer, Nicola Reid, has been selected for the Wine Australia Future Leaders 2025 program – a national initiative recognising emerging change-makers across the Australian grape and wine sector. We’re incredibly proud to have her representing Sommeliers Australia alongside a cohort of impressive industry professionals, in shaping the future of our industry.
Representing roles across the wine sector’s value-chain, the Future Leaders for 2025 are:
| Lachlan Aird | Direct-To-Consumer and eCommerce Manager | Shaw + Smith | Adelaide, SA |
| Nick Baverstock | Vineyard Manager | Treasury Wine Estates | Coonawarra, SA |
| Emma Brown | Head of Innovation | Brown Family Wine Group | Milawa, Vic |
| Matt Duggan | Viticulturist | Domaine Chandon Australia | Yarra Valley, Vic |
| Nick Dugmore | Owner | STOKE Wines | Willunga, SA |
| Marianne Duluk | Manager, Food and Wine Exports | SA Department of State Development | Adelaide, SA |
| Brendan Hawker | Senior Winemaker | Yering Station | Yarra Valley, Vic |
| Callie Jemmeson | Winemaker | Pacha Mama/Joval Family Wines | Melbourne, Vic |
| Madeleine Marson | Winemaker | Vinea Marson | Heathcote, Vic |
| Chris Mein | Vineyard Manager | Longview Vineyard | Macclesfield, SA |
| Daniel Mortimer | General Manager | Mortimers Wines | Orange, NSW |
| Nicola Reid | Executive Officer | Sommeliers Australia | Geelong, Vic |
| Andrea Roberts-Davison | Lecturer | Melbourne Polytechnic | Wandin North, Vic |
| Ashleigh Seymour | Head Winemaker | Paxton Wines | McLaren Vale, SA |
| Tash Stoodley | Digital Marketing Strategist | Savvy | Adelaide, SA |
Offered every two years, Future Leaders continues to cement its reputation as a premier opportunity that delivers significant personal and professional transformation for participants.
“Recent years in particular have seen unprecedented challenges across the sector, including market volatility, declining global consumption, and the imperative for innovation and sustainability,” said Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Cole.
“Future Leaders plays a vital role in developing individuals with the strong and adaptable leadership response required to navigate this complexity, demonstrating clear alignment with the One Grape and Wine Sector’s strategic objectives.”
Lee McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Grape & Wine, said the Future Leaders program played a critical role in ensuring the long-term prosperity of Australia’s grape and wine sector.
“These emerging leaders bring the fresh thinking, resilience and strategic foresight our industry needs to navigate change and seize new opportunities. We’re proud to support a program that’s equipping the next generation to help shape a stronger, more sustainable future for Australian wine,” Mr McLean said.
The selection panel – which comprised Wine Australia chief executive officer Dr Martin Cole, Australian Grape & Wine chief executive officer Lee McLean, and seven Future Leaders alumni — were delighted with the quality of applicants and their spread across business size, roles and the value chain.
Future Leaders is funded and coordinated by Wine Australia, supported by Australian Grape & Wine and delivered by Pragmatic Thinking.
“Its success is evidenced by consistent high demand, overwhelmingly positive alumni testimonials, an enduring and valuable network spanning regions and roles across the wine sector value chain, along with the progression of graduates into key leadership roles across the industry”, said Jo Hargreaves, Senior Program Manager and Future Leaders co-ordinator.
“We look forward to supporting the individuals through this phenomenal opportunity and following their progress and impact into the future”, she said.
Congratulations, Nicola!
