The New Dream Job for Purpose-Led Women

WORDS: Helen Hooke PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

TREAD SOFTLY WINES LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION WINEMAKING RISING STAR PROGRAM

Empowering aspiring winemakers to craft their legacy with one of Australia’s most innovative and sustainable wine brands.

Tread Softly Wines is proud to unveil the inaugural Next Generation Winemaking Rising Star Program, an initiative designed to empower emerging female talent and nurture the future of sustainable winemaking.

This groundbreaking year-long program offers one passionate, up-and-coming female winemaker a transformative opportunity to realise their vision.

By working closely with Tread Softly’s esteemed mentors, the selected participant will embark on a journey that fuses creativity, sustainability, and expertise in every facet of winemaking – from production to marketing, trade, and consumer engagement.

Known for crafting modern wines that are lighter on the palate and on the environment, Tread Softly wines are produced from famed varieties grown and sourced from regions that showcase wonderful pristine flavours, as well as freshness and vibrancy.

By selecting varieties suited to their regions, grapes can be picked earlier at optimum fruit ripeness, so Tread Softly can naturally produce more balanced and lighter in weight wines that are expressive and unique.

Extending the brand’s sustainability commitment of reducing its environmental footprint and giving back to the land, Tread Softly is building on its mission to incorporate social responsibility by supporting emerging winemakers to continue progressing in the winemaking art form and nurture a
greener future for generations to follow.

“Our goal with the Next Generation Winemaking Rising Star Program is to champion up-and-coming female winemakers to leave their mark on the industry. Tread Softly is more than a wine brand – it’s a movement.

By employing efficient production practices and planting over two million trees, we’ve been working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and give back to the land.

Now, we are expanding our mission to give back to the wine world by investing in its future leaders,” said Indeya Passfield, Tread Softly Global Marketing Manager and Program Mentor.

The program not only provides hands-on mentorship and exposure to the full winemaking process, but it also offers unique opportunities for the selected winemaker to showcase their wine at international wine fairs.

They will also meet with key customers locally in Australia and in major markets such as the UK, enhancing their profile and gaining invaluable industry insights.

Tread Softly invites budding winemakers to share their concepts and aspirations. Submissions will be judged on creativity, authenticity, and sustainability, with the most compelling entry selected for the program.

The successful applicant will work hand-in-hand with Australia’s leading winemakers, crafting a wine that reflects their unique vision while gaining exposure across the wine sector.

The experience includes hands-on mentorship and access to every aspect of the winemaking process, providing a holistic view of what it takes to create and champion exceptional, sustainable wines.

To apply to Tread Softly’s Next Generation Winemaking Rising Star Program and leave your mark on the wine world, please visit www.treadsoftly.com/nextgeneration. For questions regarding the program or the application process, please contact us directly via email at [email protected].

Applications are now open until 11th July 2025, with the successful participant announced by the 15th August 2025.

For more information, visit www.treadsoftly.com | @treadsoftlyaus | #treadsoftly