Wine Tasmania launches the Vaughn Dell Scholarship for 2026

The late Vaughn Dell, whom the scholarship is named after. Image supplied

Wine Tasmania announced today that it will be launching a new Vaughn Dell Scholarship in 2026, with the support of Linda Morice and the Dell family, in honour of the late Vaughn Dell.

Wine Tasmania said that the state's wine community "lost a much loved and respected friend when Vaughn suddenly passed away on 19 May 2020 at just 39 years of age".

Vaughn Dell

CEO of Wine Tasmania, Sheralee Davies, paid tribute to Dell's legacy.

"Vaughn had such a big presence and was so well respected across the wine community. With Linda's support, we hope this new scholarship program recognises and builds on Vaughn's desire to always learn and elevate the wine offering in Tasmania.

"Vaughn was a recipient of the Dr Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship in 2017, on which this new scholarship is based. We would like to acknowledge the Alcorso Foundation for instigating the Dr Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship, which saw eight Tasmanian wine professionals undertake self-directed study travel during 2011-18 for the benefit of themselves, their business and the overall wine community.

Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship

"This program is particularly important as the Tasmanian wine sector continues to grow in an ever-changing and challenging environment. This scholarship will help the Tasmanian wine sector keep innovating, learning, adapting and excelling," she said.

The new Vaughn Dell Scholarship provides a total grant of up to $10,000 to enable wine industry professionals based in Tasmania to undertake study-based travel. The funding will either be awarded to a single recipient or divided among multiple successful candidates, relative to the quality and scope of applications received.

The 2026 program is offered for travel being undertaken between July 2026 and June 2027, with expressions of interest for the scholarship closing 30 May 2026. Applications will be assessed during June and outcomes advised by 30 June 2026.

Vaughn Dell Scholarship

Wine Tasmania said that Dell, together with Morice, had a relentless desire to learn and excel, reflected in the "meticulous Sinapius vineyard and wines". He was never one to do things the easy way or settle to be a follower, with his curiosity, positive attitude, determination and generosity serving as an inspiration for many, the organisation explained.

Further information about the scholarship can be found here.

Additionally, a new Tasmanian Wine Workforce Development Discussion Paper has also been released.

Workforce Development Discussion Paper

"This discussion paper highlights demand for professional development, formal and peer learning, building capabilities and knowledge exchange. This new scholarship will support these key areas for the Tasmanian wine community," said Davies.

Supported by the Tasmanian Government, the paper follows a survey of Tasmanian wine businesses in late 2025 and brings attention to key challenges and actions to support the Tasmanian wine sector as it "continues to experience strong growth".

lost a much loved and respected friend when Vaughn suddenly passed away on 19 May 2020 at just 39 years of age

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What to remember

The late Vaughn Dell, whom the scholarship is named after
Wine Tasmania announced today that it will be launching a new Vaughn Dell Scholarship in 2026, with the support of Linda Morice and the Dell family, in honour of the late Vaughn Dell
Wine Tasmania said that the state's wine community "lost a much loved and respected friend when Vaughn suddenly passed away on 19 May 2020 at just 39 years of age"
"Vaughn had such a big presence and was so well respected across the wine community
"Vaughn was a recipient of the Dr Don Martin Sustainable Viticulture Fellowship in 2017, on which this new scholarship is based

Figures worth noting

The new Vaughn Dell Scholarship provides a total grant of up to $10,000 to enable wine industry professionals based in Tasmania to undertake study-based travel
The 2026 program is offered for travel being undertaken between July 2026 and June 2027, with expressions of interest for the scholarship closing 30 May 2026
Applications will be assessed during June and outcomes advised by 30 June 2026

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