Well, we are certainly glad you asked! If you are 35 and under, working in the Australian wine industry then welcome on board. Simply subscribe to the mailing list here to be kept up-to-date about all the programs, educational and networking opportunities, scholarships and more.

All young people from any facet of the Australian wine industry are welcome to join the Rootlings. Your job could be in the cellar door, hospitality, research, marketing, wine education, vineyard hand, export, production, education, finance, a student or even between jobs!  

The name Rootlings was created by and voted on by the participants of the NSW pilot program when it began in 2023. Not only does the word rootling describe a young plant starting out, but it also means actively searching with determination.

We think it’s the perfect way to describe the network we have! It’s one which inspires growth and opportunity for all young people in the Australian wine industry.  

There’s no limit on how many young people join the network, as long as you are 35 and under and work in the Australian wine industry, you can join! Involve your friends, your colleagues, or your local sommelier! 

Your involvement in the network is determined by you! You can simply stay in touch by receiving the monthly newsletters or go all the way to nominating yourself as a state champion. Tap in to as little or as many resources that you need to aid your career development and personal growth.  

Once you’ve registered your email, that’s it ... you are in until you determine that the network is no longer needed. 

Right now, 35 and under is the demographic most likely to change careers out of the wine industry (for numerous reasons!). One of our aims is to ensure young people feel supported and have educational opportunities that will see their careers thrive in this industry.  

You’ll continue to stay on the list to receive the monthly newsletters, until you decide to opt out. Hopefully, you’ll feel upskilled enough that this network is no longer necessary for your personal and professional growth. You might even be leading teams of young people at this point who you’ll be able to share the network with.  

Currently our National Project Officer Jenna is managing the roll out of the Rootlings network. Once established, it will be up to the members of the Rootlings network to lead the innovation and development of the group.  

Of course, there will be support from Wine Australia and the ASVO to help make the Rootlings network successful! 

The Rootlings program is supported by Wine Australia, with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. ASVO and Wine Australia acknowledge Maggie Jarrett, NSW Wine, and NSW DPIRD for the original concept.

The ASVO is a member based not for profit organisation that works to benefit its members through the provision of best practice technical information and applicable scientific knowledge, providing a network and networking opportunities and mentoring of emerging talent.

This strategic partnership is aimed at creating a vibrant and impactful platform for youth engagement driving positive change across the wine sector through access to peer-to-peer networks, extension, and education activities: importantly, developed for and by young people.