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Tread Softly's Next Generation 'Rising Star' Winemaker
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one aspiring female winemaker to collaborate with one of Australia’s most innovative and sustainable wine brands.
Are you the Next Generation 'Rising Star' Winemaker?
We are thrilled to announce the , a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one aspiring female winemaker to collaborate with our female led team and create their own product in our Tread Softly range.
This part-time, year-long program is designed to take one passionate next generation winemaker on a transformative journey, working side-by-side with our team to create their very own Tread Softly wine. From vineyard to table, this program is about nurturing talent, vision, and sustainability, culminating in a unique wine that will be born from your innovative idea.
As the Tread Softly Next Generation winemaker, you will
Bring Your Vision To Life
Collaborate with Tread Softly’s expert team to shape the concept of your bespoke wine, representing your creative and sustainable approach. Participate in many stages of the process, from grape selection and harvest to fermentation, blending, and bottling.
Learn from the Best
Gain unparalleled insight and hands-on experience working alongside Tread Softly’s senior winemakers, whose expertise spans decades of global innovation and oenology.
Shape the Marketing Strategy
Work with Tread Softly’s marketing team to craft a compelling story for your wine. Collaborate with some of the best players in the industry, from production to the design, messaging, and campaign strategy to bring your wine to life in the market.
Be The Face of Next Gen
Represent Tread Softly and your wine at local and international trade events, tastings, consumer activations and social media activity Share your journey and inspire others through public engagements as the first Rising Star of the Next Generation program. Act as a mentor for next year’s selected Rising Star winemaker.
Build Your Reputation
Step into the spotlight as the creator of [your wine]’s 2026 Vintage, gaining recognition and exposure within the wine industry and Tread Softly’s consumer base.
Share your journey and inspire others through public engagements as the first Rising Star of the Next Generation program.
Act as a mentor for next year’s selected Rising Star winemaker.
Experience it All
From vine to bottle and beyond, this program provides a holistic experience, including winemaking, marketing, sales and trade and consumer engagement with all travel and time on site covered by Tread Softly.
As the Tread Softly Next Generation winemaker, you will
Bring Your Vision to Life
Collaborate with Tread Softly’s expert team to shape the concept of your bespoke wine, representing your creative and sustainable approach. Participate in many stages of the process, from grape selection and harvest to fermentation, blending, and bottling.
Learn from the Best
Gain unparalleled insight and hands-on experience working alongside Tread Softly’s senior winemakers, whose expertise spans decades of global innovation and oenology.
Shape the Marketing Strategy
Work with Tread Softly’s marketing team to craft a compelling story for your wine. Collaborate with some of the best players in the industry, from production to the design, messaging, and campaign strategy to bring your wine to life in the market.
Be The Face of Next Gen
Represent Tread Softly and your wine at local and international trade events, tastings, consumer activations and social media activity Share your journey and inspire others through public engagements as the first Rising Star of the Next Generation program. Act as a mentor for next year’s selected Rising Star winemaker.
Build Your Reputation
Step into the spotlight as the creator of [your wine]’s 2026 Vintage, gaining recognition and exposure within the wine industry and Tread Softly’s consumer base.
Experience it All
From vine to bottle and beyond, this program provides a holistic experience, including winemaking, marketing, sales and trade and consumer engagement with all travel and time on site covered by Tread Softly.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for a driven, creative, and passionate winemaker who shares our commitment to sustainability and innovation. If you have a bold vision for the future of winemaking, we want to hear from you.
Your Mentors
Carol Riebke
Carol is a Senior Winemaker who has over 20 years experience in the wine industry and is part of the Winemaking team responsible for the Tread Softly production. She is an accomplished winemaker who understands all facets of small, medium and large winemaking operations. With her diverse background in sustainable farming and viticulture and respect for the local environment she makes an ideal mentor for the program.
Rowena Curlewis
Rowena is the CEO and Co-founder of leading drinks branding agency Denomination. Together with her business partner Margaret Nolan, she created the strategic positioning and branding for the Tread Softly brand. Rowena’s insight, passion and knowledge about the drinks industry means she is a regular contributor to drinks and design press, and has lectured and chaired panels in design, innovation, sustainability and drinks branding and packaging. She is a passionate believer in both environmental and social sustainability.
Indeya Passfield
Indeya is the Global Marketing Manager and Ambassador for Tread Softly. Combining a diverse skill set, creative vision, and marketing expertise, she has led the development and execution of numerous campaigns that have contributed to Tread Softly’s significant growth both domestically and internationally. Her passion for CSR and sustainability drives her commitment to creating impactful initiatives and driving innovation for future generations.
Lily Davis
Lily is the Production Manager for Tread Softly. She plays an integral role in supporting the winemakers in the sourcing and production of Tread Softly wines. Everything from sourcing, glass innovation, packaging and production- Lily and her team bring our Tread Softly wines to the shelves across the world.
How to Apply
This part-time, year-long paid program is designed to take one passionate next generation female winemaker on a transformative journey, working side-by-side with our team to create their very own Tread Softly wine. From vineyard to table, this program is about nurturing talent, vision, and sustainability, culminating in a unique wine that will be born from your innovative idea.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an Australian resident for the duration of the program and between 18-35 female years of age.
- Have gained at least two years’ work experience in the wine sector and/or currently studying or have completed a degree in wine-related studies.
- To apply to participate in the 2025 Next Generation Rising Star Program, please use the form below.
- Terms & Conditions and applicant criteria can be found here
Applications close on 11th of July 2025.
To apply, fill out the submission form below
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