The first stage of the inaugural Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program has wrapped up in South Australia, with four Chinese winemakers heading home after three weeks of collaboration and learning during Penfolds brand, Treasury Wine Estates’ (TWE) vintage season.
The program was launched at TWE’s Shanghai office in February, 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 result was a collaborative exchange program, which will be completed later this year in China, when four Australian wine industry professionals will engage with industry and academic institutions during the Chinese vintage period.
Australian vintage season
The participants from the first stage of the immersion program have now travelled back to China, after three weeks working alongside TWE teams in the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Magill Estate.
Four Chinese winemakers – Gao Yujie, Miao Chengpeng, and Xue ‘Luna’ Churan, and Master’s student Ding Weikang – experienced the practical side of South Australia's wine industry, with hands-on production experiences with local winemaking and viticulture teams during vintage.
During their time in South Australia, the participants spent time at The University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) – providing a range of practical and theoretical applications of new innovations and sustainability efforts shaping the industry.
The program was also supported by the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) and Wine Australia, which delivered sessions focused on research and development priorities, and the future growth and sustainability of the industry.
“Over these last 20 days we have experienced a lot but there are two key aspects that I think will influence our industry in China,” said Churan.
“The first is sustainability, which I’ve learnt is not what we’re doing now but what we’re creating for the future. The second aspect is cooperation, and I’ve seen first-hand how this helps create such a strong wine industry in Australia.”
Beyond the technical knowledge exchange, the program encouraged dialogue between industry professionals, researchers, and business leaders, paving the way for continued collaboration. The three weeks concluded with an event at Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide, where TWE chief supply & sustainability officer, Kerrin Petty, commended the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm.
“This program is about more than just sharing technical expertise – it has fostered relationships, cultural exchange, and a deeper understanding of our shared passion for wine,” said Petty.
“Ding, Gigi, Miao, and Luna have shown an incredible commitment to learning and exploration, and I’m confident the knowledge and experiences they’ve gained will drive continued innovation and success in China’s growing wine industry.
“I’m proud of the role TWE has played in supporting this pioneering industry program to nurture the next generation of international winemaking talent. I want to thank the members of our team who generously shared their knowledge to make it such a meaningful experience for the participants.”
The Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program was created by Australian Grape & Wine and the China Alcoholic Drinks Association, with support from the South Australian Government, TWE, and COFCO’s Wines & Spirits division.
