Step Up and Lead: Rootlings Assisted Scholarship for Next Crop 2026 | Cultivating Leadership | Margaret River
Calling all WA Rootlings! Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level?
We are excited to announce that the Rootlings Network is offering a Rootlings Assisted Scholarship for one WA member to participate in Next Crop 2026 | Cultivating Leadership | Margaret River — an intensive, industry-leading program designed to grow the next generation of wine industry leaders across Western Australia.
Running July to November 2026, this six-session program delivered by Wines of Western Australia and Margaret River Wine Association will equip you with contemporary leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the networks to drive real change in your region.
Don't just take our word for it. Sam Palmer, Winemaker at Castle Rock Estate and the inaugural Rootlings scholarship recipient, shares:
"Being chosen as the recipient of this scholarship last year, not only made the course accessible, but by being identified as a potential future leader worth investing in, provided the motivation and confidence I needed to step up my involvement in our wine industry."
🎓 The Program
What: Next Crop 2026 | Cultivating Leadership | Margaret River
Who: Delivered by Wines of Western Australia and Margaret River Wine Association
Where: Margaret River region, Western Australia
When: July - November 2026 (six full-day sessions)
💰 The Funding Breakdown
We know that investing in your development takes commitment, and we want to help make it happen.
Total Program Cost: $1,000 + GST
Rootlings Contribution: $700
Your Out-of-Pocket Cost: $300
Your investment covers six full-day workshops with expert facilitators, accommodation for residential sessions, catering, all program materials, professional networking events, and a graduation celebration. That's more than $5,000 worth of professional development.
Please note: travel to and from workshop locations is not covered by the scholarship. Applicants will need to make their own arrangements.
🗓️ Important Dates
Applications Close: 31 May 2026
Cohort Announcement: 19 June 2026
Please note: recipients of the MRWA Scholarship are not eligible for the Rootlings Assisted Scholarship, and vice versa.
How to Apply
Ready to grow? Submit your Next Crop 2026 | Cultivating Leadership application via the link below and indicate your interest in the Rootlings Assisted Scholarship. The selection panel will include Wines of Western Australia, Rootlings/ASVO, and the WA State Champion.
The Rootlings network and this opportunity are proudly supported by Wine Australia with levies from Australia's grape growers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government.
