By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
This week, we’re raising a glass to innovation, inclusion and sustainability as Tread Softly Wines uncorks its most exciting initiative yet - the Next Generation Winemaking Rising Star Program.
So much more than simply just another winemaking scholarship, this year-long mentorship and development experience is designed to uplift emerging female talent and reshape the future of Australia’s wine industry.
The program, which officially opened for applications on June 3, offers one aspiring female winemaker an extraordinary opportunity to immerse herself in every single stage of the winemaking process.
From grape to glass - and everything in between - the chosen participant will not only receive mentorship from Australia’s leading wine minds, but will also develop and release her very own signature wine.
It’s a rare vintage of opportunity: to be guided through sustainable production, strategic marketing and international showcasing, while learning firsthand how to balance creativity, craftsmanship and environmental care.
At its core, this initiative is a reflection of what Tread Softly has always stood for. Not merely making a drink, but, making a difference. For example, its commitment to the planet has already seen more than two million native trees planted across the Yarra Yarra biodiversity corridor as part of the Tread Softly Forest, in partnership with Carbon Neutral.
Now, with the Rising Star Program, it is extending that impact to the social space, championing gender equity and a new wave of leadership in a field that’s long been swirled and sipped by men.
"Our goal with the Next Generation Winemaking Rising Star Program is to champion up-and-coming female winemakers to leave their mark on the industry,” says Indeya Passfield, Tread Softly’s Global Marketing Manager and one of the program’s key mentors.
"We’ve been working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and give back to the land and now we’re giving back to the industry by investing in its future leaders.”
Alongside technical winemaking training and sustainable production practices, the program includes local and international travel, participation in global wine fairs and opportunities to connect with industry professionals and buyers in Australia and key markets like the UK.
It’s a launchpad for a career, a platform for a personal brand and a one-of-a-kind experience for someone ready to shake things up - not just pour into the status quo.
Applicants are invited to submit their concepts and vision, with submissions judged on creativity, commitment to sustainability and clarity of purpose. So, don’t make a pour decision. If you’ve got the drive, this could be your moment to say sip, sip hooray!
The chosen Rising Star will be announced in mid-August 2025 and will begin a transformative journey that could redefine her career - and the future of winemaking.
Applications are open now through to July 11, 2025. To learn more or apply, visit www.treadsoftly.com/nextgeneration.
