Collaboration commitment to support Hunter wine industry’s future
A bold vision to secure the long-term sustainability of the Hunter Valley wine industry was the focus of the first Hunter Insights Series event for 2025, hosted by the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures.
The event attracted more than 50 stakeholders, including researchers, winemakers, tourism leaders, and government representatives. It also marked a significant step toward collaborative solutions for one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions.
“The Hunter Valley is not only a jewel in Australia’s wine crown – it’s a living, breathing example of regional resilience, innovation, and identity. But it is also a region facing very real and very complex challenges – from climate variability to economic pressure, to labour and sustainability demands,” said the Institute’s Acting Director Professor Kate Senior.
“The agile, supportive, and collaborative spirit of the Hunter region offers the potential to turn these challenges into opportunities.”
L-R Michael de Iuliis, Professor Kate Senior, Liz Riley, Dr Julie McIntyre, Jennie Curran, Alisdair Tulloch, Dr Christophe Tourenq, University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by winemaker Michael de Iuliis, with insights from viticulturist Liz Riley, Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association CEO Jennie Curran, researcher Dr Christophe Tourenq, and fifth-generation grape grower and winemaker Alisdair Tulloch.
Together, they explored how collaboration can help the region adapt and thrive. Key themes to emerge included land use and social and environmental responsibility. The discussion also sparked an opportunity for engagement to broaden Hunter wine visibility, support consumer preferences and work with the University to co-create education, training, and research.
“When faced with a broad range of challenges, collaboration becomes not just valuable, but vital,” Professor Senior said.
“Expertise across the Institute for Regional Futures and the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources can drive innovation throughout the wine supply chain, from grape growers and winemakers to distributors and retailers.
“We want to help our regions thrive by delivering research excellence, collaboration and impact.”
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.