Rootlings Coonawarra Field Trip
The Rootlings Coonawarra Field Trip is a dynamic, two-day professional development event designed specifically for young and emerging professionals in the South Australian wine sector. Taking place in one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, the field trip is structured to take attendees on a journey from high-level industry landscape analysis down to localised viticultural and marketing insights. Across the event, attendees will explore both the historical foundations and the future direction of the region.
Our Purpose & Vision
More than just a networking event, this field trip aims to equip the next generation of wine industry leaders with practical, take-home professional development tools and real-world commercial insights. By bringing together fresh faces, established brand legacies, and industry icons, the event is designed to foster long-term community discussion on regional collaboration, drive sustainability and innovation, and strengthen the SA Rootlings network well after the closing session.
Field Trip Highlights
Industry Landscape & Market Insights: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Australian wine industry landscape and the micro- and macro-level challenges affecting the sector through presentations by industry leaders. Gain practical insights into shifting consumer purchasing behaviours and discover what values-led marketing looks like on the ground.
Sustainability & Viticultural Innovation: Examine how sustainability in practice has evolved over the past 20 years and explore where real innovation is happening today. Learn about practical regional implementations across solar and renewables, waste management, water security, and social impact.
Terroir & Single-Site Selection: Dive into the rich history of Coonawarra and its world-famous terra rossa soil. Discover why single-site selection is vital to regional quality, Cabernet expression, and distinctive flavour profiles.
Brand Legacy & Next-Gen Experiences: Hear directly from established brand legacies on how they navigate current market pressures. Explore how the next generation is pushing boundaries by introducing alternate varieties and fresh, engaging wine experiences that connect with modern consumers.
Regional Collaboration & Storytelling: Examine what "Coonawarra" means as a globally recognised regional brand. Join the discussion on how regional collaboration will play a larger role in shaping that story over the next five years.
Invaluable Networking & Perks: Connect with peers, mentors, and industry icons across four winery visits, interactive workshops, and relaxed regional tastings. Enjoy included snacks, lunches, and a casual networking dinner, with a professional photographer on hand to capture a high-quality headshot for you to take home.
Who Should Attend? This event is tailored for new, young, and emerging professionals working in all facets of the SA wine industry—from viticulture and winemaking to marketing, sales, and hospitality—who are looking to accelerate their careers, expand their networks, and shape the future of Australian wine.
The Rootlings program is supported by Wine Australia, with levies from Australia’s grape growers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. ASVO and Wine Australia acknowledge Maggie Jarrett, NSW Wine, and NSW DPI for the original concept.
