PODCAST
S3- E02 | Two Outsiders Barrelling into the Industry with Jesslyn Francis Collins and Jessica Grozdanov
Jesslyn Francis Collins and Jessica Grozdanov are two emerging talents bringing fresh energy and diverse skills into the Australian wine industry.
Jesslyn grew up in Toronto and has spent 15 years working in wine and hospitality, earning her sommelier certification and gaining vintage experience in Canada and Australia. She’s now in her third year of a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide, drawn here by its global reputation. Jessica, originally from Wollongong, started out in engineering and advanced manufacturing before discovering wine during a vintage on the New South Wales south coast. That spark led her to Adelaide, where she is wrapping up her master’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology and preparing for an internship in Sonoma. Together, they are part of a new generation working to blend innovation, sustainability, and a sense of community into the future of wine. Here’s Jess and Jess… Read more...Jesslyn Francis Collins
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Jesslyn moved to Sydney in 2019 before settling in Adelaide in 2023 to pursue her passion for wine. She is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide. With over 15 years of experience in the wine and hospitality industries, Jesslyn is a certified Sommelier and has worked several vintages both in Canada and on Australia’s east coast. She currently works part-time at the University and recently completed a summer scholarship in a microbiology lab researching NOLO wine stability. She’s also gaining hands-on experience in the vineyard, with her first season of winter pruning and an upcoming vintage placement at Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley. Inspired by respected winemakers who all pointed her towards Adelaide’s internationally recognised program, Jesslyn is driven by a clear goal: to craft world-class wines and continue learning from leaders in the field. Jessica Grozdanov
Originally from Wollongong, NSW, Jess moved to Adelaide last year to take on a new challenge – studying a Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide. Jess’s path into wine hasn’t been the usual one. With a background in engineering, she’s worked across industries from steelmaking to universities and even spent time as a snowboard instructor while travelling. After deciding it was time for a change, she jumped into the wine world at a small winery on the Shoalhaven Coast, where vintage and cellar door work quickly sealed her love for the industry. Keen to get hands-on, Jess chose Adelaide for its unique combination of vineyard, winery and research facilities right on campus – and the chance to build connections in the heart of Australia’s wine industry. She’s already making the most of it, with an internship lined up in Sonoma, USA, before heading back to find her next role in Australia. Still exploring where she fits best, Jess is excited by all aspects of the wine world – from vineyard to winery to business – and is especially interested in how new technologies can support sustainability and innovation in such a traditional industry. Her big-picture goal? To make great wine while helping strengthen the future of the Australian wine community. |
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