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AWD education

North America Education Program 2027

North America

Building Australian Wine Knowledge Across North America.

Throughout 2027, Wine Australia will continue to deliver a comprehensive education program across key markets in North America, building knowledge, awareness and engagement with Australian wine. 


Led by Mark Davidson, Head of Education, Americas, the program will connect with trade, educators, students and consumers through seminars, masterclasses and training delivered alongside major Wine Australia activities and industry events, as well as in partnership with leading wine education organisations, colleges, universities and key trade partners. Together, these activities provide a sustained platform to showcase the diversity, quality and value of Australian wine and keep Australia front of mind with current and emerging wine professionals.


Utilising Australian Wine Discovered presentations and resources, the seminars will deepen participants’ understanding of Australia’s diverse wines, regions and styles, empowering industry professionals to share that knowledge and help shift perceptions of Australian wine. 

Program

Supporting Key Activities

Mark hosts seminars and masterclasses across the US and Canada, in support of key activities like the North America Roadshow, visiting Houston, Washington D.C., Toronto and Montreal in spring 2027, and our key education sponsorship each year, the TEXSOM Conference in Dallas. 


Wine Education Organisations

Mark regularly works with wine education organizations such as Society of Wine Educators, American Wine Society, GuildSomm, The Institute of Masters of Wine and Napa Valley Wine Academy to bring Australian wine education to their students, across all levels of trade and consumers, ensuring that Australia holds a strong position in their wine education journeys.


Trade Engagement

A significant portion of the education program is focused on trade, delivering education to monopoly or chain retail buyers, staff trainings to product consultants, distributor or agent trainings, and hosting trade and consumer masterclasses with key retailers. It is a sustained and consistent effort to keep the diversity and value of Australian wine front of mind with key decision makers throughout the industry. 


Colleges and Universities

Mark also delivers wine education to multiple colleges and universities across the US. This is often part of a broader culinary program, for example with Cornell University, CIA – Hyde Park, Johnson & Wales University and Michigan State University. Others have a wine club that brings in guest speakers, such as Harvard Business School. Instilling Australian wine knowledge at the start of their careers is an important way to drive awareness of Australian wine with young industry and business professionals.

See image a group of people sitting at tables with glasses and a man standing in front of a presentation See image a man standing on a stage in front of a large audience See image a group of people posing for a photo See image a group of people sitting at tables See image a group of people sitting at tables in a room with lights

Presenter

  • a man smiling for the camera
    Mark Davidson Head of Education Development - Americas

    Born in London and raised in Sydney, Mark has over 40 years of experience in the hotel, restaurant and wine business. During his 15 years as a sommelier, he was named Sommelier of the Year at the Vancouver Wine Festival in 2001 and won the Spirited Industry Professional in 2014. Following his experience as a sommelier, Mark has produced numerous wine education and restaurant etiquette courses. As a Department Head and Instructor with the International Sommelier Guild, he was instrumental in the on-going development of the curriculum and has taught classes in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. 

    Mark is an annual judge at the TEXSOM International Wine Awards and has judged many other competitions in both Canada and the US. Since 2008, Mark has been the Head of Education Development for Wine Australia in North America. He now lives in the US and has recently released his book, The Wines of Australia. 


Delivering results

In FY25/26, over 1,500 trade and students attended one of Wine Australia’s seminars in North America. Surveying seminar participants shows a high level of satisfaction with the education provided, significant increases in the perception of the quality of Australian wine and intent to purchase. 


"I believe Mark has always been one of the best presenters and advocates for any wine region. Always a pleasure."


"Mark is fantastic in his presentation / teachings! His approach makes everything palpable to any level of experience yet engaging and fun."


For more information

To learn more about the education program across North America, contact [email protected].

Member content

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