Three winemakers from across Australia recently “gained valuable hands-on experience” by taking part in the Sydney Royal Wine Show as part of the Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship program administered by the RAS Foundation. Awarded late last year, the scholarships are helping recipients further refine their skills, with scholars undertaking the Advanced Wine Assessment Course or Advanced Viticulture Course through the Australian Wine Research Institute. To learn from some of Australia’s top judges and help celebrate 200 years of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, scholars Michelle Li, who currently works at Knappstein Wines in the Clare Valley, SA; Oliver Thomas of Murray Street in Barossa Valley, SA; and Jaimee Mutton, from Agnew Wines in the Hunter Valley, NSW, travelled to Sydney to attend judging. Sydney Royal Wine Committee Chair, Angus Barnes, said the scholarships are an important investment in the people who will help shape the next chapter of Australian wine. “The Sydney Royal Wine Show has a proud history of recognising excellence and supporting the continued growth of the Australian wine industry –something we’ve been committed to for 200 years,” Barnes said.