Hunter Valley talent takes on the Sydney Royal Wine Show

Five Hunter Valley wine scholarship recipients had the opportunity to participate in one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine shows last month, as part of the RAS Foundation Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship program.

Funded by the Sydney Royal Wine Show, the Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships support wine professionals undertaking advanced training and assist in their professional development by inviting them to steward or be an associate judge at the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show.

One of the largest national wine shows in Australia, this year saw over 1,500 wines be assessed by 30 of the country’s finest judges, with exhibits recognised by a gold, silver, or bronze medal, depending on their score. Top performers in each category then competed for one of the prestigious champion trophies up for grabs.

During judging, scholarship recipients were able to meet these esteemed judges and train under the guidance of Sydney Royal Wine Show Chair of Judges and Owner of Hunter Valley Winery, De Iuliis Wines, Mike De Iuliis.

Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Sydney Royal Wine Committee Chair, Angus Barnes, said it is a privilege to support education and professional development within the Australian Wine Industry.

"It was such a pleasure to welcome such a talented and diverse group of wine professionals and students to this year’s Sydney Royal Wine Show," Barnes said.

"As an organisation committed to advancing Australian agriculture through excellence and competition, we know how important it is to invest in the next generation, and we are honoured that we can take this even further by providing the opportunity for our scholars to gain practical experience alongside our expert judging panel.

"Congratulations to all of our outstanding scholars; I look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop their careers in the Australian wine industry.”

In total, nine wine scholars from across Australia 2025 scholars have received up to $6000 to help advance their careers or support their studies in a wine-related field thanks to the Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship or Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship.

The Hunter Valley recipients of the 2025 Sydney Royal Professional Development Scholarships are:

ALLANA WIGLEY - HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship Allanna Wigley is a young wine professional based in the Hunter Valley, NSW. With over eight years of industry experience, she currently holds the role of Wine Club and Event Manager at De Iuliis Wines. In 2023, she launched her own label, Thea Wines, producing exceptional Chardonnay and Shiraz. Her passion for wine extends beyond production & sales, as she’s actively involved in judging and stewarding at prestigious wine shows, including the Hunter Valley Wine Show, Cool Climate Wine Show, NSW Wine Awards, and Sydney Royal Wine Show. Allana will be studying the Advanced Wine Assessment Course through the Australian Wine Research Institute.

KESHNEE MUDALY - HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship Kesh is a dedicated viticulturist with a deep commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming practices. Joining Lowe Family Wine Co. in 2018, Kesh has followed her passion from cellar door to farm; delving into biodynamics and regenerative viticulture. Currently finishing a Diploma of Viticulture through TAFE NSW, Kesh applies her growing expertise to fostering resilient vineyards through conducting on-farm trials and implementing innovative practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance. Kesh is excited to attend the AWRI’s Advanced Viticulture Course, which will allow her to deepen her knowledge and bring cutting-edge research and practical solutions back to the vineyard.

SAMUEL RUMPIT - HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship Based at Saddler’s Creek Wines in the Hunter Valley, Sam is a young winemaker with a passion for incredible wines made in both the vineyard and the winery. Having completed a degree in both Agricultural Science and Wine Science at CSU, he looks to the future to build upon his knowledge. Sam is excited to learn everything he can to play his part in improving the future of Australian winemaking and judging for young and new industry professionals to make judging more accessible and ensure that Australian judges are recognised on a world stage for their consistency and skill. Sam will be undertaking the Advanced Wine Assessment Course through the Australian Wine Research Institute.

LUKE STEELE - HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

Luke Steele is an award-winning winemaker and wine show judge with extensive experience across Australia and internationally. He has held senior winemaking roles at leading producers such as Freycinet Vineyards (Tasmania), Bird in Hand (Adelaide Hills), Ross Hill Wines (Orange, NSW), and Lerida Estate (Canberra District,

NSW). Luke holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Oenology) from the University of Adelaide and a Diploma of Sustainable Living from the University of Tasmania. Renowned for his technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to sustainability, Luke is dedicated to advancing Australian wine quality and industry standards. Luke will study WSET Level 3.

HUGH SPINAZE - MAITLAND, NSW

Hugh was also awarded the prestigious Peter Doyle Trophy as the best Associate Judge at the Sydney Royal Wine Show.

Hugh grew up in the Hunter Valley with a deep interest in the wine industry from a young age. After completing high school, he began working at Agnew Wines in the cellar, home to the Audrey Wilkinson and Poole’s Rock brands where he fell in love with the industry and steadily progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming the winemaker for both brands in 2023. To broaden his experience, he studied a Bachelor of Wine Science at CSU and completed several vintages abroad. He has also been involved in the wine show system, serving as a steward and associate judge at several events, including the Australian Single Vineyard Wine Show, Hunter Valley Wine Show, and Cowra Wine Show. Hugh’s scholarship is sponsored by the Len Evans Trust and will allow him to further develop his knowledge by undertaking the Advanced Wine Assessment Course through the Australian Wine Research Institute.

Applications for the 2026 Sydney Royal Wine Study and Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship are currently open and will close on Monday, 8 September 2025.

For further information or to explore the range of RAS Foundation scholarship programs and grants, please visit www.rasf.org.au.

Further images of the scholars are available here.

Image one: Hugh Spinaze at the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show.

Image two: Sam Rumpit with Sydney Royal Wine Committee Chair, Angus Barnes.

Image three & Four: Keshnee Mudaly at the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show and with Sydney Royal Wine Committee Chair, Angus Barnes.

Image Five: Allana Wigley

Image six: Luke Steele

To view the results of the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show, please visit www.rasnsw.com.au/wine

Media Contact:

Nicola Dalby

Manager – Communications and Public Relations

M: 0434 579 906

E: ndalby@rasnsw.com.au