Laura Nay with RAS Wine committee chair, Angus Barnes. Image courtesy Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
Scholarship recipients of this year’s Sydney Royal Wine Study and Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development travelled to Sydney last week to assist in one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine shows.
Under the guidance of Sydney Royal Wine Show chair of judges Sarah Crowe, the scholars were given the chance to be an associate judge or steward over the four-day judging, working alongside some of Australia’s leading wine experts to gain first-hand judging experience.
Supported by the RAS Foundation and the Sydney Royal Wine Show, the 2024 scholars also received up to $6,000 to help advance their careers or support their studies in a wine-related field.
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Sydney Royal Wine committee chair, Angus Barnes, said it is a privilege to support education and professional development within the Australian Wine Industry.
“We were thrilled to welcome such an accomplished range of wine professionals and students to this year’s Sydney Royal Wine Show and provide them with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of our expert judging panel,” Barnes said.
“As an organisation that strives to drive Australian agriculture through competition, it is integral that we also invest in the next generation. They are the future leaders of our industry.”
“I congratulate each of our worthy scholars and it was a pleasure to meet them in person last week.”
The recipients of the 2024 Sydney Royal Professional Development Scholarships are:
Cassandra Charlick, Margaret River
Wine, travel, and food writer.
As part of her Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship, Cassandra will be completing an Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) at the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).
Charlick was an associate judge at the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show
Natillie Johnston, Yara Valley
Vineyard operator at Giant Steps wines, Yarra Valley, and owner and winemaker of Tillie J Wines.
Thanks to her Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship, Natille will be completing the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Advanced Viticulture course.
Johnston could not attend the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show.
Jade Hafey, Hunter Valley
Assistant winemaker and Cellar Door manager at Iron Gate Estate in Pokolbin.
Hafey will complete a WSET Level 3 course thanks to the Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship.
Hafey was a Steward at the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show.
Michael Latham, Yarra Valley
Winemaker at Giant Steps Wines in the Yarra Valley.
Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship recipient. Latham will complete the Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) at the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).
Latham was an associate judge at the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show.
Laura Nay, Orange
Vineyard technician at Angullong Vineyard, Panuara NSW.
Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship recipient, Bachelor of Viticulture at Charles Stuart University.
Nay was a steward at the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show.
Applications for the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Study and Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship are currently open and will close on September 3, 2024.
For further information or to explore the range of RAS Foundation scholarship programs and grants, please visit www.rasf.org.au.
Results for the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show will be announced on Thursday 15th August following an awards ceremony.
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