Australian Women in Wine Symposium
Sept
15

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.

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From Vines to Global Policy: Have Your Say with Sally Higgins for COP31
Aug
27

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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August Happy Hour with Pauly Vandenbergh
Aug
18

August Happy Hour with Pauly Vandenbergh

Kick back and gain insights! Rootlings' Happy Hour Networkers offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry icons in a relaxed, virtual setting.

Forget stiff networking events – join us each month for a casual chat, ask your burning questions, and chill with the best in the business. It's your monthly dose of inspiration and connection, served with a side of good conversation.

In August, we will be joined by Pauly Vandenbergh.

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WCA Her Shout Winter Glow
Aug
6

WCA Her Shout Winter Glow

Join WCA for a winter warmer edition of HER SHOUT, featuring Dr Gemma Munro, performance psychologist, speaker and author, who will share practical tools to help you build confidence, energy and momentum at work and beyond.

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The Art of Persuasion: Unlock Opportunities in Your Wine Career
May
20

The Art of Persuasion: Unlock Opportunities in Your Wine Career

Rootlings, are you ready to become a powerful advocate for your career growth?

Whether negotiating a better salary, securing valuable training, or accessing exciting opportunities, the ability to persuade is a crucial skill for success in the wine industry.

This webinar is designed to equip you with the tools and techniques to communicate your value and achieve your career goals effectively through sharing your story.

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April Happy Hour with Dan Sims
Apr
20

April Happy Hour with Dan Sims

Kick back and gain insights! Rootlings' Happy Hour Networkers offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry icons in a relaxed, virtual setting.

Forget stiff networking events – join us for a casual chat, ask your burning questions, and chill with the best in the business. It's your monthly dose of inspiration and connection, served with a side of good conversation.

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Strategic Design Tactics: How Wine Brands Stand Out and Stay Relevant
Mar
24

Strategic Design Tactics: How Wine Brands Stand Out and Stay Relevant

Join Scott Carslake of Voice Design for a deep dive into strategic design tactics applied to wine brands and their packaging, helping them stand out and be recognised in one of the most competitive categories in the world.

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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February Happy Hour with Dr Samantha Scarratt
Feb
23

February Happy Hour with Dr Samantha Scarratt

Kick back and gain insights! Rootlings' Happy Hour Networkers offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry icons in a relaxed, virtual setting.

Forget stiff networking events – join us for a casual chat, ask your burning questions, and chill with the best in the business. It's your monthly dose of inspiration and connection, served with a side of good conversation.

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WSET Level 2 Award in Wines - Orange
Feb
10
to 12 Feb

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines - Orange

For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings.

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WSET Level 1 Award in Wines - Orange
Feb
9

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines - Orange

For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings.

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Dec
17

The Art of Persuasion: Unlock Opportunities in Your Wine Career

Rootlings, let's talk about DEI. (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

The wine industry is evolving, and as the next generation of leaders, we have a responsibility to create a more welcoming and equitable space for everyone. This webinar is a crucial conversation for all Rootlings who are passionate about shaping a more inclusive future for the wine world.

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WA Festive Networker
Dec
6

WA Festive Networker

Sam Palmer and Laura Penniment, your WA State Champions, have put together a festive networker for WA Rootlings to round out 2025!

Joining other young professionals from all parts of the wine industry, you'll connect and learn with a Great Southern Riesling Benchmark tasting, State Chapter meeting and networking.

Please note, this field day is only for Rootlings members who are 35 and under working in the Australian wine industry. To become a Rootling member, head to rootlings.com.au/join

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WCA Direct to Consumer Wine Summit
Nov
6

WCA Direct to Consumer Wine Summit

The Direct to Consumer Wine Summit aims to deliver insights, share successful DTC strategies, and provide a platform for wine brands to understand the growth opportunities in the market. Attendees will learn about successful D2C strategies in both Australia and globally.

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Cultivating Inclusion: DEI in the Wine Industry
Oct
28

Cultivating Inclusion: DEI in the Wine Industry

Rootlings, let's talk about DEI. (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

The wine industry is evolving, and as the next generation of leaders, we have a responsibility to create a more welcoming and equitable space for everyone. This webinar is a crucial conversation for all Rootlings who are passionate about shaping a more inclusive future for the wine world.

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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!