17 November 2020
Wine sector well placed to prevail in the face of its greatest challenges
In a year of social distancing, restricted travel and virtual meetings, Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated (Australian Grape & Wine) today held its second Annual General Meeting.
Australian Grape & Wine Chairman, Sandy Clark, was frank in his assessment of the 2019-20 year. “It has been a challenging year, with bushfires, smoke, COVID-19 and the relationship with China putting the sector under great stress. Combined with threats from the anti-alcohol lobby, trade negotiations, a new code of conduct and increased regulation with mandatory pregnancy labelling, we have had plenty on our plate”.
Australian Grape & Wine Chief Executive, Tony Battaglene said “It is particularly pleasing to have such a strong financial performance in what has been a difficult year. The revenue and membership base have underpinned a strong policy and advocacy performance. There are many challenges ahead, and for our industry to grow and prosper, we need to continue to work cooperatively within the sector and collaboratively with Government. Above all we rely on strong support from our members so that we can continue our important work”.
Mr Battaglene went on to say “Australian Grape & Wine is weathering the storm of 2020 well and is well placed to deal with the challenges that 2021 will bring. We have a skilled and dedicated staff, a collaborative culture and have earned the respect of government at the political and bureaucratic level”.
AUSTRALIAN GRAPE & WINE BOARD DIRECTORS FOR 2020-21 ARE:
Chairman
Sandy Clark
Small Winemakers’ Membership Committee Representatives
James March, Heathvale Wines Pty Ltd (Chair)
Edward Swift, Printhie Wines
Rollo Crittenden, Crittenden Estate
Mary Hamilton, Hugh Hamilton Wines
Sarah Collingwood, Four Winds Vineyard (Permanent Alternate)
Medium Winemakers’ Membership Committee Representatives
Alister Purbrick, Tahbilk Pty Ltd (Chair)
Victoria Angove, Angove Family Winemakers
Simone Tierney, Zilzie Wines
Jeff McWilliam, McWilliam’s Wines Group Ltd
Robert Hill Smith, Yalumba Wine Company (Permanent Alternate)
Large Winemakers’ Membership Committee Representatives
Helen Strachan, Pernod Ricard Winemakers Pty Ltd (Chair)
Robert Cairns, Treasury Wine Estates
Anjanette Murfet, Accolade Wines
Luke Edwards, Casella Family Brands
Vignerons Committee Representatives
Ashley Keegan (Chair), The FABAL Group Pty Ltd
Adrian Hoffman, Independent Grower & Chair of the Wine Grape Council of South Australia
Henry Crawford, Yallambee Agricultural Company Pty Ltd
Ben Crossing, Angullong Vineyard
Jenny Venus, Brad Case Contracting (Permanent Alternate)
MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE FOUR COMMITTEES ARE:
2020- 21 Small Winemakers’ Membership Committee
James March, Heathvale Wines Pty Ltd (South Australian Wine Industry Association) (Chair)
Edward Swift, Printhie Wines
Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi, Ballandean Estate Wines (Queensland Wine Industry Association)
Rory Lane, The Story Wines (Wine Victoria)
Rollo Crittenden, Crittenden Wines
Mary Hamilton, Hugh Hamilton Wines
Sarah Collingwood, Four Winds Vineyard
Mark Bourne (New South Wales Wine Industry Association)
Larry Jorgenson (Wines of Western Australia)
Chris Pfeiffer OAM, Pfeiffer Wines
Cath Oates, Oates Ends
Sarah McDougall, Lake George Winery
David O’Leary, O’Leary Walker Wines
Nikki Palun, Octtava Wines
2020- 21 Medium Winemakers’ Membership Committee
Alister Purbrick, Tahbilk Pty Ltd (Chair)
Mitchell Taylor, Taylors Wines Pty Ltd
Robert Hill Smith, Yalumba Family Vignerons
Victoria Angove, Angove Family Winemakers
Bill Moularadellis, Kingston Estate Wines Pty Ltd
Jeff McWilliam, McWilliam’s Wines Group Ltd
Simone Tierney, Zilzie Wines
Darren Rathbone, Rathbone Wine Group
2020- 21 Large Winemakers’ Membership Committee
Helen Strachan, Pernod Ricard Winemakers Pty Ltd (Chair)
Robert Cairns, Treasury Wine Estates
Anjanette Murfet, Accolade Wines
Luke Edwards, Casella Family Brands
2020-21 Vignerons Membership Committee
Ashley Keegan, The FABAL Group Pty Ltd (Chair)
Ben Crossing, Angullong Vineyards
Henry Crawford, Yallambee Agricultural Company Pty Ltd
Adrian Hoffman, Independent Grower and Chair of the Wine Grape Council of SA
Dean Taylor, Taylors Survey and Development Pty Ltd
Tyson Lewis, Peninsula Vinecare Pty Ltd
Ben Rose, Performance Viticulture
Jenny Venus, Brad Case Contracting
Sami Gilligan, The Wetlands Vineyard
-ENDS-
Media Contact: Lee McLean, 0418 998 749 / lee@agw.org.au
Media Contact: Ali Laslett, 0424 135 381 / ali@agw.org.au
Available for Interview: Tony Battaglene, Chief Executive – 0413 014 807 / tony@agw.org.au
About Australian Grape and Wine Inc
Australian Grape and Wine Inc is the national association of grape and wine producers. We address issues across the supply-chain that impact on the profitability and sustainability of the sector. We lead and advocate public policy that enhances the ability to responsibly produce, promote and enjoy Australian wine in moderation.
Australian Grape & Wine is recognised as a representative organisation for winegrape and wine producers under the Wine Australia Act 2013, and is incorporated under the SA Associations Incorporation Act 1985. We work in partnership with the Australian Government to develop and implement policy that is in the best interests of winegrape growers and winemakers across Australia.
