The Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (AAVWS) is pleased to announce Clint Drieberg as the 2025 AAVWS Fellowship Recipient. The Fellowship is proudly supported by Longview Vineyard. While in Mildura, Clint will enjoy a behind-the-scenes regional tour thanks to Mildura.com, experiencing the vineyards, producers and stories that define the AAVWS spirit.

This year’s Fellowship will see Clint immersed in a full week of show activities, from networking with stewards and judges to masterclasses, the Talk & Taste: Fizz, Dirt & Zero, Vineyard tours and the Awards Long Lunch. It is an opportunity to connect with winemakers, industry leaders and the passionate community that continues to champion alternative varieties across Australia.

Clint shared his excitement:

“I’m thrilled to be selected as the 2025 AAVWS Fellowship Recipient. As someone new to the wine industry, but not new to storytelling, this is the perfect way to dive headfirst into the wonderful world of Aussie alternative varieties and share my genuine love for the grape.

With 25 years in TV and radio, I know how to connect with an audience. Pair that with the cheeky, no-nonsense spirit of @winewankers, and you’ve got the perfect blend to spotlight the incredible winemakers championing Australia’s more adventurous grape varieties. I mean, until recently, I’d never even heard of Secco (a 2024 AAVWS winner) and now I can’t wait to taste it.

The Wine Wankers have been doing things differently since 2013, bringing humour and heart to the world of wine, and I’m lucky to be mentored by founder Drew Lambert, who’s been writing about wine for over two decades. Together we’re keeping it fun, accessible and slightly irreverent, just the way our followers like it.

With more than 700,000 people following us across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X, The Wine Wankers are a global community, and they actually listen and laugh along when we bang on about wine. The 2025 AAVWS Fellowship is a great opportunity to introduce them to the wild, rare and underrated varieties that AAVWS has become famous for, as well as showcase Mildura’s unique food and wine scene too. I can’t wait to share these stories with the rest of the world, one quirky grape at a time.”

A Week of Discovery and Connection

Liz Marwood, AAVWS Business and Events Manager, said this year’s Fellowship experience will give Clint the chance to go behind the curtain and truly understand what makes the AAVWS unique.

“Clint will spend the week with us in Mildura, connecting with judges, stewards, winemakers, viticulturalists, sponsors and attending our key events. It’s an incredible opportunity to see the show from every angle, from the judging floor to the dinner table,” Liz said.

“The Fellowship continues to be a highlight of the show each year, and we look forward to seeing Clint’s creative take on the people and stories that make alternative varieties so special.”

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Rohan Morris, AAVWS Marketing and Development Manager, said the ongoing partnership with Longview Vineyard is key to supporting emerging communicators like Clint.

“The Fellowship would not be possible without Longview’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the Australian wine scene,” Rohan said.

“They understand the importance of celebrating diversity in wine, from the grapes we grow to the voices we champion, and Clint’s energy and storytelling flair are a perfect match for the program.”

Showcasing Mildura and its Producers

Helen Healy, AAVWS Business and Show Manager, highlighted the role of Mildura.com in helping to make the experience truly memorable.

“Thanks to Mildura.com, Clint will have the opportunity to explore our region’s food, wine and culture,” Helen said.

“The AAVWS has always been deeply connected to this place, the sun, the soil, the people, and it is fantastic that our Fellowship program continues to showcase what makes Mildura so unique.”

The AAVWS Fellowship celebrates emerging storytellers who bring fresh perspectives to the world of wine, championing creativity, community and the spirit of discovery.

Congratulations to Clint Drieberg, the 2025 AAVWS Fellowship Recipient.