The Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) is the peak body for Margaret River grape growers and winemakers and represents their interests and promotes Margaret River fine wine.

The Associaton is an independent, non-profit organisation, financed by its members with additional funding sourced sponsorship and grants. MRWA has 200 industry members and 50 associated Grape Grower and Commercial members.

MRWA was established in the late 1970’s as the Margaret River Grape Growers & Winemakers Association and was incorporated in 1982.

In 1996 the Association registered a geographic boundary for the region and the Margaret River became one of the first three wine regions in Australia to have its boundaries legally defined as a Geographical Indication (GI) by the Australian government.

Our Vision

Margaret River is one of the world’s most compelling fine wine experiences.

Our Mission

To build, protect and promote the Margaret River wine brand.

Our Organisational Values

Excellence, Collaboration, Sustainability, Transparency

Strategic Plan

MRWA operates against the Constitution of the Margaret River Wine Association and a Strategic Plan. The current Constitution was reviewed and updated in May 2019 and the Strategic Plan was released in October 2016 (reviewed in June 2019). Both are available to members upon request and in the Member Area.

Our Organisational Structure

The affairs of the Association are governed by a Board on behalf of members of the MRWA. The Board consist of the office bearers; Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer together with sufficient members to bring the numbers of the Board to a maximum of ten members. Seven are elected by the membership and a further three Board members may be appointed to the Board at any time for up to a term of two years.

Currently the Board Chair is an independent, appointed role (i.e. not MRWA members). The Association employs a Chief Executive Officer and a Communication & Events Manager full-time.

MRWA Board

The 2023/2024 Board members are:

Greg Wall AM – Independent Board Chair
Leah Clearwater – Flametree Wines
Paul Dargue – Evans & Tate
Tony Davis – Snake & Herring
John Fogarty – Deep Woods Estate
Steve James – Voyager Estate
Blair Poynton – McHenry Hohnen Vintners
Wendy Stimpson – Passel Estate
Craig Tompkins – Rathbone Wine Group
Ke Zheng – 3 Oceans Wine Company

Click here for Board contacts.

MRWA Staff

The Margaret River Wine Association office is staffed by:

Amanda Whiteland – Chief Executive Officer, [email protected]
Pip Heaford – Membership Manager, Communications & Events [email protected]

The Margaret River Wine Association recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the wine industry. Each of the following were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at a Margaret River Wine Show Gala Dinner.

The Association and all in Margaret River are extremely grateful for the passion and commitment these individuals have given to this region.

2022 – Bruce Pearse
2021 – John Jens
2020 – Dorham Mann OAM
2019 – John Evans
2019 – John Tate AM
2018 – Dr Tom Cullity
2018 – Bob Cartwright
2018 – John Brocksopp
2012 – Ian & Ani Lewis
2011 – Dr Kevin Cullen
2010 – David & Heather Watson
2010 – Bill Jamieson
2009 – David & Ann Gregg
2009 – David Hohnen AM
2008 – Denis & Tricia Horgan
2007 – Dr John Gladstones AO
2003 – Erl Happ
2002 – Di Cullen
2001 – Bruce Tomlinson
2000 – John James