
Do you want to join us in Mildura in November 2026?
The AAVWS Fellowship invites applications from wine professionals and knowledgeable enthusiasts who are excited by the opportunity to explore and celebrate Australia’s alternative varieties and share that new found fervour with their n
The Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (AAVWS) Fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for wine professionals and passionate enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the exploration and celebration of Australia’s alternative wine varieties. Sponsored by Longview Vineyards, this unique program encourages fellows to share their newfound knowledge and enthusiasm with industry peers and networks.
What’s Included?
The Fellowship covers all expenses for an incredible experience in Mildura from
Tuesday, 3rd to Sunday, 8th November 2026, including:
- Return travel to Mildura
- Accommodation at the Quality Hotel Mildura Grand
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner daily
- Complimentary access to exclusive events:
- Tasting during judging with Chief of Judges, Leanne Altmann
- Regional Tour hosted by Mildura.com (Wednesday, 4th November)
- Industry Tour hosted by AAVWS (Thursday, 5th November)
- AAVWS Feature Dinner (Thursday, 5th November)
- Trophy Judging Viewing at the show judging venue (Friday, 6th November)
- Tour of an Italian Variety Vineyard (Friday, 6th November)
- AAVWS Talk & Taste (Friday, 6th November)
- AAVWS Show Tasting (Saturday, 7th November)
- AAVWS Awards Long Lunch (Saturday, 7th November)
- Recovery Breakfast with Judges (Sunday, 8th November)
How to Apply
To apply, submit a one-page PDF application (400 words or less) addressing the following:
- Your Skills & Networks: How can you become an ambassador for the AAVWS and Australian alternative varieties?
- Your Goals: What do you hope to gain from this experience?
- Your Communication Plan: How will you share your experience and increased knowledge of alternative varieties with your peers upon returning home?
Please include your full name, mailing address, email address, mobile number, and (if applicable) your website URL and social media handles.
Send your application to info@aavws.com by close of business on Friday, 27th March 2026.
Conditions
- The Fellowship is open to applicants based anywhere in Australia.
- Applicants must be available to travel to Mildura on Tuesday, 3rd November (evening) or Wednesday, 4th November (early morning), returning home on Sunday, 8th November.
- The successful applicant must provide a post-show report, blog, or published article link to the Show Manager by 1st February 2027. This will be featured on our website and used to promote the 2027 Fellowship program.
- Fellows are required to actively promote their experience at the Show via social media and other channels during and after their visit.
Important Note
This is a strict one-page limit (A4 size, 400 words or less). If your submission exceeds this, only the first page will be assessed. We look forward to receiving your application and sharing this incredible journey with you!
2026 Dates: 4 – 7 November 2026
We’re seeking wine professionals and passionate enthusiasts ready to share their experience and enthusiasm with their networks and industry groups.
Do you have what it takes to immerse yourself in Australia’s most intriguing wine varieties? Apply now and join us for this unforgettable journey!
The Fellowship is sponsored by Longview Vineyards and includes the following:
MEET OUR FORMER FELLOWS
2025 AAVED Fellow – Clint Drieberg
Read about Clint here
2024 AAVWS Fellow – Steve Leszczynski
Read about Steve here
2023 AAVWS Fellow – Cassandra Charlick
Read about Cassandra here
Read about Cassandra’s experience here
2022 AAVWS Fellow – Alexandra Prichard
Read about Alex here
Read about Alex’s experience in Mildura here
There was no fellowship awarded in 2020 & 2021 – we don’t need to tell you why!
2019 AAVWS Fellow – Grant Scicluna
Read about Grant here
2018 AAVWS Fellow – Simone Madden-Grey
Read about Simone here
Read about Simone’s experience in Mildura here
2017 AAVWS Fellow – Katie Spain
Read about Katie here
Read about Katie’s experience in Mildura here
2016 AAVWS Fellow – James Scarcebrook
Read about James’ experience in Mildura here
2015 AAVWS Fellow – Adam Walls
Learn more about Adam Walls here
Read Adam’s Post-Show blog here to see why he gave an A+ to the AAVWS
2014 inaugural AAVWS Fellow – Sarah Limacher
Want to know more? Click here to read all about her.
Want to hear about her experience? Click here to see what she thought about her visit to the AAVWS and Mildura.
The Fellowship Program is sponsored by Longview Vineyard.

Proudly supported by Mildura.com
