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    TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri| 24 April 2026

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    Kurri Kurri winery celebrates 30 years of winemaking excellence

    ‘Our students are at the heart of everything we do. The Founders’ Drop captures the full journey – from producing the wine to designing the label – and reflects the high-quality training that continues to deliver award-winning results.’

    Rebecca Coventry, TAFE NSW Director Agriculture, Animals, Food and Science

    TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri Winery is celebrating 30 years of producing award-winning wines while training the next generation of winemakers.

    Since its first vintage in 1995, the winery has earned national and international industry awards, reflecting the quality of its practical teaching and production expertise.

    To mark the milestone, Diploma of Viticulture students crafted a special Founders’ Drop Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the skills developed through their training. Adding a creative dimension, eight Certificate III in Graphic Design students competed to design the commemorative label, with Maria Terrile taking out the top honour.

    The 9 founders at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri Winery are positioned in two rows, smiling proudly. To their right is a wine barrel holding opened wine bottles and to their right stands an easel.

    The winery reached its 30-year milestone in 2025, with the anniversary formally celebrated at an event on 22 April 2026, recognising the vision of its founders and the achievements of students and teachers over three decades.

    Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the anniversary highlights the winery’s enduring place in the wine industry.

    “For 30 years, TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri has played a vital role in training skilled winemakers, supporting the broader industry and producing exceptional wines. This milestone reflects the founders’ vision and the dedication of staff and students who have built a highly respected centre of learning and excellence,” Minister Whan said.

    TAFE NSW Director Agriculture, Animals, Food and Science Rebecca Coventry said the anniversary release showcases student talent from vine to bottle.

    “Our students are at the heart of everything we do. The Founders’ Drop captures the full journey – from producing the wine to designing the label – and reflects the high-quality training that continues to deliver award-winning results.”

    Tom Lantry, one of the founders of Kurri Kurri Winery, said the winery’s success is deeply rewarding.

    “This winery was envisioned as a place where students could develop real-world skills. Seeing it thrive 30 years on – producing outstanding wines and training so many talented graduates – is incredibly special.”

    Media contact: Karen Farrell, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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