A recap of the 2025 NSW Rootlings Conference
Before embarking on an eight-hour journey from my hometown of the Hunter Valley, to me, Griffith remained a distant dot on the map, its true significance veiled. Little did I know that this vibrant town was, in fact, the beating heart of the Australian wine industry, a powerhouse responsible for an astounding 20% of the nation's wine production through iconic family brands like Casella, Calabria, and De Bortoli. Even less apparent was the profound impact of industry downturns on these very families, the resilient farmers, and the entire region.
Two days immersed in Griffith's remarkable landscape utterly transformed my perspective. Witnessing the immense scale of their produce, the relentless pursuit of innovation, and the unwavering resilience woven into the fabric of this community has immeasurably enriched my understanding of the industry. Thank you to Penny Flannery, Development Officer Viticulture at the NSW DPIRD, alongside the NSW Conference Committee and NSW Wine, for bringing this conference together.
Beyond the vineyards, my personal and professional growth soared through the deep connections forged at the NSW Rootlings Conference. This marked my inaugural experience as the national project officer for the now Australia-wide Rootlings network, a significant milestone following two previous NSW conferences. This year, the inclusion of Rootlings from across the country allowed them to firsthand experience the unparalleled knowledge exchange and network building this program fosters. In turn, the NSW Rootlings gained invaluable insights from the diverse perspectives of Erin Armstrong, assistant winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara, Brent Harris, vineyard operator at Janzs, Syuzanna Mosikyan, PhD researcher from the University of Adelaide, Courtney Keegan, Dan Murphy’s merchant, and Quintin Murphy, business coordinator of Grampians Estate.
As Syuzanna said, ‘The Rootlings Conference in the Riverina was an unforgettable experience - full of learning, connection, and inspiration. It was amazing to meet so many passionate young wine professionals and hear directly from growers about both the challenges and resilience driving our industry forward’.
This conference has undeniably propelled the Rootlings network into a new era of importance. In times of genuine challenge for our industry, the power of connection and collaboration sparks countless pockets of inspiration. When we empower young people to lead, true magic unfolds. When we invest in our own development, innovation shines brilliantly.
This conference, and indeed the entire Rootlings network, stands as a testament to the transformative power of a single individual's dream and courage to lead. Thank you, Maggie Jarrett, who alongside the NSW DPIRD, NSW Wine and Wine Australia created the Rootlings concept. Both directly and indirectly, Maggie has profoundly shaped the trajectory of countless young people in the wine industry. Now, a thriving network of extraordinary young individuals is ready, daring to dream and daring to lead.
The Australian wine industry, prepare yourselves! An inspired generation of youth is here, and we are ready to make our mark.
By Jenna Vaughan, Rootlings National Project Officer and a now huge fan of the Griffith region.
