From Adelaide to Verona

A wine media cadet's journey from Adelaide, South Australia to the 2024 Great Wine Capitals Conference in Verona, Italy.

Winning this year’s Wine Media Cadetship from the Wine Communicators of Australia – supported by the Great Wine Capitals Adelaide, South Australia chapter – was a great honour and the start of a whirlwind adventure that I could have only dreamed of.

Just 2 weeks after being announced as the recipient, I found myself boarding a plane bound for Verona, Italy, to attend the 2024 Great Wine Capitals Annual General Meeting and Conference. Travelling alongside the South Australian delegation, I embarked on a 30-hour journey from Adelaide to the heart of one of Italy’s most enchanting cities, for learning, networking, and unforgettable experiences.

Verona, with its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and its romantic aura, felt like stepping into a living postcard, or the pages of a fairytale. Known for its reference in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city carries a timeless charm. It was a perfect setting for celebrating and advancing the global wine tourism industry. Against this stunning backdrop, delegates from wine capitals worldwide gathered to discuss, share, and innovate.

During an early tour of Verona, I came across the newly installed directional sign near the city’s Duomo that pointed to the 12 Great Wine Capitals around the world. It stood as a symbol of the strong bond and collaborative spirit amongst the Great Wine Capitals network – a reminder that, despite being separated by geography, we are all united by a common passion for wine and its cultural importance. I knew then the conference would be expansive and exciting.

The week was packed with a diverse range of activities that blended insights, exploration, and connections. From the very first gathering, the energy in the room was palpable. Delegates arrived with a clear purpose: to support, listen, and learn from one another. While it is no secret that the wine industry faces many challenges, there was a sense of optimism and resilience.

The conference offered a platform for countries to showcase their solutions in tourism, research, marketing, and communications. The ideas left everyone buzzing with inspiration and sparked conversations within the network. Building on this sense of connection, I crossed paths with a former colleague from my time at a winery in South Australia, who is now leading the charge in the Bordeaux region as part of the Great Wine Capitals. Our reunion was a delightful trip down memory lane, with fond recollections of our experiences in Australia.

One of the standout moments of the conference was the global wine tasting evening, an event that encapsulated the essence of the Great Wine Capitals. Delegates from each country proudly presented their finest wines, creating an atmosphere of discovery. As we sampled wines from diverse areas, conversations flowed effortlessly, underscoring wine’s unique ability to bring people together. This night of shared appreciation reminded me of why I am so passionate about this industry.

An exciting part of the trip was experiencing the surrounding wine regions. Renowned areas like Valpolicella, Soave, and the Dogi Plains offered a glimpse into why Verona is one of the Great Wine Capitals of the world. I had the privilege of encountering some of the most exquisite wines I’ve ever tasted. One winery that particularly stood out was Pieropan, a remarkable estate which felt like a blend of innovation, sustainability, and romance. With vineyards perched on the roof of their state-of-the-art winery, sunken into the hills of Soave and overlooking the castle, it was a true vision. The designer and creator of the cellar door Leonildo Pieropan tragically passed away before its completion, leaving the estate as a legacy to his wife, Teresita – a true love story that mirrored the beauty of Verona itself.

The Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Awards Night was an extravagant celebration of global excellence in the wine tourism industry. The evening unfolded with operatic performances, vibrant hosts, and a parade of exquisite food and wine. Each table, arranged by country, cheered enthusiastically as the winners were announced. The awards were presented with dramatic flair, accompanied by the soundtrack of Pirates of the Caribbean; it was a sight to behold.

Yet, it wasn’t just the planned activities that made the evening unforgettable. In a spontaneous act of playfulness, one of Switzerland’s delegates began a ‘fairy conga’ line using the decorative candle centrepieces from the tables. What started as a small group quickly grew, with participants from every country joining in. The conga line wound its way to the stage, accompanied by an operatic pop singer, spreading pure joy throughout the room. This moment perfectly embodied the passion of the industry that transcends borders.

Attending the Great Wine Capitals Conference offered unparalleled insights into how other countries are innovating within the wine tourism industry, and a renewed perspective on how Australia can grow and lead. It highlighted areas where we are excelling, as well as opportunities for improvement, all within a framework of collaboration and shared purpose.

Beyond professional development, this journey left me with incredible memories that will last a lifetime. From the sights and sounds of Verona to the people I met – who I now call friends – every moment reinforced the magic of wine as a unifying force. This experience wasn’t just about learning or networking; it was about connection, celebration, and the sheer joy of being part of a global community that is as passionate about wine as I am. I returned to Adelaide not only with new ideas, but with a deep sense of gratitude for having been part of an extraordinary event.

The WCA Wine Media Cadetship aims to foster emerging South Australian talent and promote excellence in Australian wine communication. It is delivered by the Wine Communicators of Australia, supported by the Great Wine Capitals Adelaide, South Australia chapter. Find out more about the cadetship.