Introducing your State Champions
The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) and Wine Australia are delighted to announce the names of the seventeen young people who will be State Champions for the Rootlings Wine Industry Youth Network.
Following a successful trial in NSW, the national Rootlings program was established six months ago with the appointment of the National Project Officer, Jenna Vaughan. Since then, Jenna has engaged hundreds of people up to 35 years of age across the Australian wine sector to join the network to discuss the issues facing - and the opportunities available - to young people in the industry.
The State Champions will help spread the word about Rootlings in each state, and facilitate individuals connecting in person, with other young people in their local area.
South Australia Rootlings State Champions
Sarah Lavelle, DTC Manager for Seven Hill Cellars, Clare Valley
Maddie LeMire, Winemaker at Balnaves of Coonawarra, Coonawarra
Alexandra Alavoine, Winemaker at Kirrihill, Clare Valley
Erin Armstrong, Assistant Winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara, McLaren Vale
Michelle Li, Winemaker at Knappstein Wines from Clare Valley
Victoria Rootlings State Champions
Courtney Keegan, Wine Merchant at Dan Murphys
Lucy Austen-Paine, Assistant Winemaker at Blue Pyrenees Estate, Pyrenees
Lachie Tenace, Winemaker at Eastern Peake and Latta Vino, Western Victoria
Alice Spinaze, Cellarhand at Yarra Yerring, Yarra Valley
New South Wales Rootlings State Champions
Maggie Jarrett, Export & Sustainability Manager, See Saw Wines, Orange (who was a driving force behind the original concept piloted in NSW)
Allanna Wigley, Direct Sales Manager, De Iuliis Wines, Hunter Valley
Bec Watson, Projects and Event Assistant at NSW Wine Industry Association
Emily Glover, Winemaker at Glover Wines, Hunter Valley
Western Australia Rootlings State Champions
Sam Palmer, Winemaker at Castle Rock Estate, Great Southern
Laura Penniment, Marketing Manager, Alkoomi Wines, Frankland River
Tasmania Rootlings State Champions
Mia McIntyre, Area Business Manager for Joval Wines
Brent Harris, Vineyard Operator at Jansz, Tasmania
Rootling’s National Project Officer, Jenna Vaughan, said, “Rootlings is a dynamic network dedicated to fostering relationships, facilitating professional development, and promoting continuous learning among young professionals in the wine industry.
The enthusiasm of our State Champions is a clear testament to the passion and dedication young people have for shaping the wine industry. These individuals have generously volunteered their time, demonstrating a strong desire to contribute and connect.
Throughout 2025 and beyond, our State Champions will be instrumental in activating in-region opportunities. These initiatives will provide young professionals with invaluable chances to learn collaboratively and grow professionally, ensuring a vibrant and innovative future for the wine sector."
