Australian Women in Wine Symposium
This year’s Symposium, “Rising Together – Shaping What Comes Next”, will explore how we can evolve, adapt, collaborate and challenge ourselves to build stronger leaders, more inclusive workplaces and a more sustainable future for our industry and ourselves.
Join industry leaders, emerging professionals, business owners, growers, winemakers, researchers and advocates for a day designed to spark ideas, strengthen networks and provide practical tools you can take back to your workplace and career.
A program to inspire and empower…
The 2026 Symposium will feature four dynamic sessions exploring
Business & Leadership – building capability, confidence and resilient organisations
Industry – navigating change and shaping the future of Australian wine
Career – creating opportunities, pathways and professional growth
Personal – wellbeing, balance and the conditions needed to flourish
Our inspiring speakers include Carolyn Creswell – Founder & CEO of Carman’s who will share her journey of entrepreneurship, leadership and creating balance while building a successful business.
Mel Neil – Founder & CEO of Mind Insurance will explore how we can make meaning, creating the conditions for flourishing.
Plus, a wealth of industry leaders, experts and panelists who will share their experiences, insights and practical strategies throughout the day.
The Symposium is more than an event…it’s an opportunity to connect with a national network of women and allies, celebrate progress and contribute to the future of our industry.
Tickets are available now – secure your place today and be part of the conversation shaping what comes next.
2026 Australian Women in Wine Symposium
📅 Tuesday 15 September 2026
📍 Lakeside Pavilion, 36 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park, Melbourne
🎟️ Tickets: $395.00 (+ Booking Fee)
🕘 Registration from 8:30am | 9:00am start
An informal networking dinner will be held on Monday 14 September for attendees wanting to connect ahead of the Symposium – details to come.
Proudly supported by our 2026 Symposium Presenting Partner Global Victoria, Major Sponsor Plumm, Session Sponsors Wine Australia, Penfolds, Stanton & Stanton and Adelaide University, Networking Sponsor – The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference and Coffee Cart Sponsor – MCC Labels.
Stronger Together, Bolder Together, Go Beyond Together.
Your ticket includes:
All speaker sessions, panels and workshops
Morning tea, lunch and post Symposium networking with canapes and drinks. Guests are invited to bring a bottle to share.
The opportunity to meet and engage with women in wine from all over Australia.
Terms & Conditions of Booking:
Tickets: Don’t worry about printing your tickets, as we will have a list of registered names at the door!
Seating: Want to be seated with a particular group of people? No problem! Just make your preferences known at the time of booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Cancellations: No refunds are permitted. We know this is strict, however events are tough to execute at the best of times. Your ticket is fully transferable though so you can send someone else in your place. Just let us know so we’ve got the right name and details for them on the day.
Dietary restrictions: We are more than delighted to try and cater for any dietary restrictions. Submit your dietary request at the time of booking in the booking form.
Accessibility: Please advise if you require assistance at time of booking.
From Vines to Global Policy: Have Your Say with Sally Higgins for COP31
Breaking away from standard one-way presentations, this session is designed as a genuine dialogue. Sally will kick things off by sharing insider insights into the COP31 agenda and global climate decision-making, setting the stage for an open floor. COP31 stands for the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is the 31st annual global climate summit where nations meet to negotiate action against the climate crisis.
From there, we flip the microphone to you.
We want to talk about what climate change actually looks like on the ground across the entire Australian wine supply chain. Our goal is to bring our collective regional experiences together and tell Sally exactly what practical innovation, adaptation, and policy support young professionals want to see championed on the global stage to safeguard the future of Australian wine & agriculture.
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Consumers decide which wine to buy within a few seconds, with the majority of buyers acknowledging that their decision is influenced by the label.
Whether it’s a $15 Tuesday-night tipple or a $500 cellar-worthy icon, the visual and emotional cues change, yet the brand’s soul must remain constant and true. So how are wine brands recognised, remembered, and positioned across different tiers of price, quality, occasion, gifting, and collectability?
In this Rootlings session, Scott Carslake (Voice Design) breaks down the visual shorthand of the wine industry and their packaging. We will explore how brands apply strategic design techniques to stand out, navigate the complex psychology of wine choice, and how to position the brand for longevity
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Let's Connect!
We're here to support you and connect you with the Rootlings network.
Whether you have questions about our initiatives, want to get involved, or just want to share your ideas, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's grow together!

