Industry experience leads to export opportunities for Wine Business Graduate

International Wine Business graduate Yuan Yuan always had an interest in emerging markets; specifically, the wine market in Asia.

Lead by her passion for the wine industry, Yuan travelled to Australia to gain a world-class education in Wine Business, which would ultimately lead to her gaining a high profile position with a prominent Australian wine label. With the whole world laid out in front of her, it was Adelaide; a Great Wine Capital of the world, that Yuan was drawn to. Thanks to the world-class research facilities at the Waite campus, as well as its proximity to some of Australia’s most treasured wine regions, studying a Master of Wine Business at the University of Adelaide, was a clear choice for Yuan.  

“The University of Adelaide has leading teaching resources and facilities in the wine field which is vital to achieving great outcomes in the industry.”

With no previous education in the wine industry, the choice to study wine business was a leap of confidence. But the broad business knowledge she would gain, coupled with the wine specific skills and experience engrained in the program, gave Yuan the confidence she needed to pursue her passion. Looking back on her studies, Yuan spoke of the importance an understanding of marketing can have in business. 

“My studies in marketing have been memorable. Every word the lecturer said, I have realised later in my career, was just so valuable.”

While there were many aspects of her degree that she cherishes, Yuan describes the variety of people she met as being the most rewarding aspect of her studies.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have studied with, and met, so many pioneers in the wine disciplineYuan Yuan, Master of Wine Business graduate

Throughout her studies, Yuan took every opportunity available in order to gain industry experience and immerse herself in the wine culture that South Australia is famous for.

“During my studies, I worked three casual jobs across the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. I was doing everything from cellar door customer service to marketing and sales. These experiences were very valuable and helped me to secure a role in the industry after my studies”

Upon her graduation, Yuan was lucky enough to secure a role with leading Australian wine label Wines by Geoff Hardy (WBGH). With no prior experience in the wine industry, it was her passion, knowledge, and hard work that led to Yuan’s appointment as Export Sales Manager. Through her degree and learning about the future of Asia in the world's wine markets, Yuan has been instrumental in assisting WBGH in increasing market share in China and in driving the company’s growth. 

When reflecting on her studies and career successes, Yuan gives credit to the University for giving her the skills knowledge, and confidence to pursue her dream career. 

Studying at the University of Adelaide has been a turning point in my life. It has opened many doors for opportunities and I have graduated with the knowledge and skills that wine industry needs. I am very proud to be a graduate of the University of AdelaideYuan Yuan, Masters of Wine Business graduate

If you are interested in turning your passion for wine into a career, visit our Wine Business website or chat with one of our staff about our range of wine-related programs.