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New Tasmanian Wine Vaughn Dell Scholarship Launched

With the support of Linda Morice and the Dell family, Wine Tasmania is very pleased to launch the new Vaughn Dell Scholarship in 2026.

In honour of Vaughn Dell. The Tasmanian wine community lost a much loved and respected friend when Vaughn suddenly passed away on 19 May 2020 at just 39 years of age. Together with Linda, Vaughn’s relentless desire to learn and excel is reflected in the meticulous Sinapius vineyard and wines. Never one to do things the easy way or follow others, Vaughn's curiosity, positive attitude, determination and generosity were an inspiration for many.

In launching this new scholarship program, Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies paid tribute to Vaughn’s legacy.

“Vaughn had such a big presence and was so well respected across the wine community. With Linda’s support, we hope this new scholarship program recognises and builds on Vaughn’s desire to always learn and elevate the wine offering in Tasmania.”

“Vaughn was a recipient of the Dr Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship in 2017, on which this new scholarship is based. We would like to acknowledge the Alcorso Foundation for instigating the Dr Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship, which saw eight Tasmanian wine professionals undertake self-directed study travel during 2011-18 for the benefit of themselves, their business and the overall wine community.”

“This program is particularly important as the Tasmanian wine sector continues to grow in an ever-changing and challenging environment. This scholarship will help the Tasmanian wine sector keep innovating, learning, adapting and excelling.”

The new Vaughn Dell Scholarship provides a total annual grant of up to $10,000 to support wine sector professionals based in Tasmania undertake study-based travel. The funding may be awarded to a single recipient or divided among multiple successful applicants, depending on the quality and scope of the proposals received. The 2026 program is offered for travel being undertaken between July 2026 and June 2027, with expressions of interest for the 2026 Vaughn Dell Scholarship invited from Tasmanian-based wine professionals by 30 May 2026. Applications will be assessed during June and outcomes advised by 30 June 2026.

A new Tasmanian Wine Workforce Development Discussion Paper has also been released. Supported by the Tasmanian Government, this follows an extensive survey of Tasmanian wine businesses in late 2025 and highlights key challenges and actions to support the Tasmanian wine sector as it continues to experience strong growth.

Ms Davies said: “This discussion paper highlights demand for professional development, formal and peer learning, building capabilities and knowledge exchange. This new scholarship will support these key areas for the Tasmanian wine community.”

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