Due to the traffic management complexity on Caves road around the Yallingup Hall it is highly unlikely to proceed during the Easter break.
Given its location at the northern end of the Cape and its proximity to the Indian ocean and Leeuwin Naturaliste NP to the west the same risk management frameworks and considerations regarding wind direction would then be applied to manage the smoke plume – the same as Augusta.
BWD_076 is a narrow belt of National Park, it is 10ha in size and does not have a timeframe limit for management.
The same decision framework as all Autumn burns would be applied.
Pending suitable weather conditions the DBCA Autumn program will be imminent by mid- April, it is also likely that some burning may occur out in the East of the District over the coming weeks, potentially prior to he 15th April. Again the same management frameworks and considerations would be applied.
22/3/2021
Parks and Wildlife is currently reviewing BWD_070 Leeuwin, 3km west of Augusta.
At this stage this burn may proceed on Wednesday 24th March subject to forecast conditions remaining suitable.
BWD_070has unique circumstance that require consideration for burning during early autumn due to presence of karri fuels.
Karri fuels are not generally available during spring due to late drying and elevated risks, once karri fuels become damp in late autumn they won’t be available.
Currently the forecast is for predominantly moderate E and SSE winds through Wednesday till Thursday lunchtime which will push the smoke off the coast and out to sea during the operational period.
Detailed forecasting information will be obtained daily to further guide decisions.
Known vineyards adjacent to this burn are all located north and north east of the burn.
Confirmation of the burn proceeding will be available through the DBCA web page.
18/3/2021
The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) will be reviewing a number of prescribed burns in the coming days and weeks as weather conditions permit.
These burns are most likely to be considered in the very near future (see maps).
BWD_004 Beaton – 160ha in the western Cell (10km south east of Nannup)
BWD_120 Kearney – numerous small cells along Vasse Highway (10km south east of Nannup) BWD_070 Leeuwin – 217ha (4 km west of Augusta)
As per previous years the forecast conditions and proximity of vineyards will be considered in line with DBCA procedures to minimise any potential impacts.
It is most likely that we will require another rain event before the broader landscape Autumn burn program will commence; however the burns listed have unique requirements for consideration early this year.
It is important that growers and winemakers inform MRWA of approximate final pick dates and locations by vineyard so we can share accurate up-to-date information with DBCA. Please download this form (Excel spreadsheet) to complete and email it to Pip.
The US Market Entry Program provides in-market support to wineries interested in entering or re-entering the US market. It also provides in depth brand strategy support to wineries ready to move commercially in the market. Wine Australia offers guidance and marketing support in communications, import logistics and trade outreach, to assist entry-to-market and brand exposure needs. Collaboration with importer brokers, media outlets and key trade and media contacts will be a central focus of the Market Entry Program in FY’22.
Note applications opened 22 March 2021 and Wine Australia has a preferred sign-up date of 23 April 2021.
Additional funding support and a market preparedness training program is offered through WA WINES TO THE WORLD for a maximum of 10 program participants. Assuming producers are also eligible for Wine Australia’s Wine Export Grants, this could mean producers pay as little as 25% of the $12,500 participation fee.
Register for funding support (max 10 producers) through WA WINES TO THE WORLD here.
We welcome all program participants’ feedback. If you have any questions at all re the above please contact us.
Wine Communicators of Australia
9 March @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pmACDT
Most research and recommendations concerning wine packaging focus on a single brand or sub-brand. However, most wineries produce many variants, some at the same price point made from different varieties or blends, and some at lower or higher price points but still carrying the same brand name.
In this webinar hear more about the benefits of linking wines with the same brand name together through their packaging, based on years of research at the Ehrenberg Bass Institute for Marketing Science.
Professor Larry Lockshin will present some very recent research measuring the consistency of packaging across a number of Australian wine brands from small, medium and large wineries. The research highlights which aspects or attributes of wine packaging are most commonly used across brands in the same portfolio and which have the greatest effect on perceived consistency across the portfolio.
By attending this webinar you will gain knowledge of how to build mental availability across a portfolio of brands. Leveraging consistency across sub-brands will increase the possibility that a consumer buying one brand will recognise and choose other brands in the portfolio.
Presenter: Professor Larry Lockshin – Professor of Wine Marketing, Ehrenberg Bass Institute for Marketing Science, University of South Australia
This webinar is free to ALL WCA Members. To register, CLICK HERE
Non-Members will be charged $50 + GST to access the webinar. To pay and register, CLICK HERE
26 February
Regional Roadshows drive to elevate business success
Business owners will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, sustainability, and accelerate success with the launch of a series of Regional Roadshows being rolled out to the South West, next week.
This new and exciting initiative steered by Business Station under the ASBAS program funded by the Federal Government, will enable business owners to access the hugely successful and highly relevant, low to no cost ASBAS Digital Solutions program.
Rolling out to Margaret River on Friday, 26 February, the program includes workshops covering essential and specific topics and one-on-one advisory sessions necessary to succeed in business today and into the future.
Presented by respected expert advisors, well-established and successful in their own businesses, the program is the gift that keeps on giving…the first interaction with the ASBAS Digital Solutions service is FREE. For those business owners who have previously taken advantage of the wide range of topics, there is a nominal fee of $20 plus GST.
Event details: Venue: Margarets in Town, Corner Bussell Highway/Tunbridge Street
Workshops: Topic 1: 9am to 11am – Protecting Business Information
Topic 2: 9am to 11am – Scaling with Success
**Break for Lunch – on us! See below:
Topic 3: 3pm to 5pm – The Visual Power of Instagram for Business.
*One to One Advisory sessions will be held between presentations.
Diarise: Hosted by Business Station to celebrate the launch of the Regional Roadshows, business owners are invited to join us for lunch, at our expense, at the fantastic River Hotel (Courtyard) from 11.30am to 1pm. It ‘ll be a chance to catch up with like-minded associates, enjoy locally sourced food and refreshments, get to know our Advisors and find out how the ASBAS program can drive business.
We wouldn’t want any business owner to miss this ‘golden’ opportunity to attend the renowned leading advisory service ASBAS program, or the lunch.
Registration is required for all events so please click on the below link:
And there is no need to miss any of the events – can’t make it to Margaret River? The Roadshow is accelerating to:
Wednesday, 24 February– Bunbury
Bunbury Geographe CCI
15 Stirling St
Workshops: 9am – 5pm
Facebook and Instagram Regional Business
Introduction to Tender Writing
Scaling with Success.
Thursday, 25 February – Busselton
Busselton Youth Community Activity Centre
212 Foreshore Parade
Business owners are invited to the celebratory ‘Drinks are on Us!’ From 5.30pm – 7pm at the city’s popular Ship Inn.
Workshops: 9am – 5pm
Government Business Grants and Assistance
Customer Retention Strategy, Growth and Profit
Paid Advertising Facebook and Instagram.
Presented by local agro-ecologist Mark Tupman from Productive Ecology, this workshop will explore the pros and cons of the various diagnostic tools available and the measures we can implement in the development of a sound economical program that ensures robust growth and high quality production in any agricultural or horticultural enterprise.
When? Thursday February 18th Presentation: 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Networking BBQ: 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Soil is the lifeblood of agriculture and is fundamental to our survival. Healthy soils are essential for healthy plant growth, food production for human nutrition and ecosystem services such as clean water and air. Healthy soils help to regulate the Earth’s climate and store more carbon than all of the world’s forests combined.
Presented by internationally respected author, educator, & farmer, Graeme Sait, this workshop & field walk will give farmers a deeper understanding of how soils function, what factors may be the limiting their soils productivity, & what steps they can take to ‘breathe life’ into their soils for year round soil health.
EVENT LOGISTICS When? Tuesday February 23rd 2021, 9.00am to 4.00pm
Where? Glenarty Road
Cost? $100 + GST / participant
Find our more here or please contact: Kate Tarrant, LBLCDC Communications Officer
T: 9758 4021 | E: [email protected]
27 February
Temple Farm
RSN 509 Marron Pool Rd
Cherry Tree Pool, WA 6395
Soil is the lifeblood of agriculture and is fundamental to our survival. Healthy soils are essential for healthy plant growth, food production for human nutrition and ecosystem services such as clean water and air. Healthy soil biology is essential for healthy soil, and this 1 day workshop and field walk will give farmers a deeper understanding of how soils function, what factors may be the limiting their soils productivity, & what steps they can take to ‘breathe life’ into their soils for year round soil health.
Presented by Graeme Sait (CEO, Nutri-Tech Solutions), an internationally respected author, educator, and farmer, and author of the “Nutrition Farming” podcast series, the workshop and field walk will explore the theme “Mastering Microbes – building the biological pathway”.
Find WA Wines to the World upcoming information sessions and past presentation’s and recordings here.
Over the last 3-years the MRWA Export and Wine Tourism Plans have had a strategic focus on Singapore. Promotions have included in-market events, masterclasses, PR and famils to drive sales and support new exporters. Singapore has one of the highest values per litre for Margaret River wine at $15.62 (vs. USA at $11.99 and China at $12.75).
The “Margaret River Wine Tasting Series” will present WA’s best wines and personalities to this market in a virtual way.
There would be a minimum of 20-30 guests per session, and four masterclasses in the month of April 2021
Each masterclass would showcase of different wineries, which would be grouped based on themes
Guests would buy a ticket to the F&B venue and a winemakers/ambassador will personally host the masterclasses via video conferencing from Margaret River
Following the masterclass, guests will be directed to the www.margaretriver.wine/shop-singapore/ and encouraged to purchase their favourite wines at a special rate from the importer in Singapore or directly from the winery
IWINETC Grape Escape Destinations for 2021 features a packed live and on-demand content programme with 10 sessions looking at grape escape destinations around the world designed to help wine and culinary tourism professionals look towards a brighter future as our industry rebuilds and recovers post pandemic.
IWINETC Grape Escape Destinations for 2021 online event will bring together 10 of the world’s exciting wine tourism destinations with agents and media from around the globe. Destinations included in the programme are: Armenia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Champagne, Greece, Italy and Portugal.
IWINETC Grape Escape Destinations for 2021 online uncorks on 11 February at 16.00 CET with Explore Armenia Through a Glass of Wine with Dr. Zara Muradyan and Hayarpi Shahinyan of the Wine & Vine Foundation of Armenia.
For more information and registration, visit: www.iwinetc.com
Australian Wine Connect creates a bold new world of opportunities for Australian wineries to promote their products via Wine Australia’s 24/7 virtual platform across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Asian markets. It allows buyers from across the world to network and meet producers, discover new wines, link up with distributors and enable sales conversations. It also offers ongoing live thought leadership sessions, tastings, and variety and regional explorations to showcase the people, places and processes that make Australian wine far from ordinary. This campaign is the largest Australian wine promotion ever held globally. It’s a first for the Australian wine community and for the global wine trade.
Note Wine Australia is still accepting registrations, with the trade launch effective from 27 April 2021.
Access detailed info on this platform and register with Wine Australia here.
Additional funding support is offered through WA WINES TO THE WORLD. Assuming producers are also eligible for Wine Australia’s Wine Export Grants, this could mean producers pay as little as 25% of the $2,500 participation fee.
Register for funding support through WA WINES TO THE WORLD here.
Essential Skills for the Wine Industry – Enrol Now!
The Cert III in Wine Operations course commences next Tuesday 2 February 2021. Delivered over two days per week for those wishing to work in various roles in the wine cellar industry. You will learn about the various functions of the winery with an extensive induction and gain hands-on, practical experience in various areas such as manual handling, workplace safety and cellar operations.
On completion of the course, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment for the nationally accredited units:
FDFFS2001A Implement the food safety program and procedures
FDFCEL2019A Carry out transfer operations
FDFCEL2005A Operate the pressing process
FDFCEL20002A Perform fermentation process
FDFCEL2018A Carry out inert gas handling operations
Phone 6371 3800 or email [email protected]
Essential workers
Essential workers are permitted to travel across regional borders with an approved G2G PASS. Primary industries production and processing are considered essential work.Please monitor the wa.gov.au website, as the directions are subject to change.
Applying to travel across regions using G2G Pass
Due to the current lockdown in Perth/Peel and the South West, people should not leave or travel between these regions unless:
they are accessing essential goods or services that they cannot obtain in their region
they are an essential worker
for specific care and compassionate reasons or
they need to leave for an emergency purpose.
People can enter Perth, Peel or the South West, and travel between these regions for these reasons:
to go to their home
to access or deliver essential health and emergency services
other essential requirements or
for specific care and compassionate reasons.
The G2G Pass is now activated to process applications to enable such approved travel across regions.
You can submit your travel declaration at g2gpass.com.auIf you have COVID-19 or symptoms – you cannot travel across regions within WA.
Police will continue to conduct random stops and checkpoint activities to check the validity of your travel.
Please make sure you carry your identification and justification of your travel – whether it be an email from your boss or appointment letter from your doctor – at all times.
Margaret River wine exports slowed in the 12 months to December 2020, decreasing by 29 per cent in value to $25 million, as Chinese tariffs and political unrest in the USA took their toll on exports to those markets, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report released today.
Volume decreased 34 per cent to 1.9 million litres (210,000 9-litre case equivalents) from a high of 2.8 million litres in 2019.
The average price per litre increased 7 per cent to $13.16 free on board (FOB).
The top 10 markets account for 87 per cent of Margaret River wine export value.
The most significant growth came in exports to the UK, up 37 per cent to $4.9 million and Canada, up 25 per cent to $1.9 million.
The growth in these destinations were offset by a decline to China, down 61% to $3.6 million, as well as to the USA down 46 per cent to $3.5 million, and Singapore down 36 per cent to $2.7 million.
Exports to mainland China were down, unsurprisingly, following the imposition of interim tariffs in November.
MRWA and MRBTA are excited to announce that planning has begun for a new In-Region Festival of Wine Events.
While there are many consumer events in the region that include Margaret River wine in their offering, there are none that exclusively champion or hero the wine narrative.
The Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) together with the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) believe there is an opportunity to create an iconic event within the region’s event calendar that heroes Margaret River wine and promotes the region’s unique wine experiences to high yield travellers, whilst encouraging brand engagement and visitation.
MRWA believes it is crucial that the event incorporates strategies for direct-to-consumer sales for Margaret River’s wine producers through showcasing an incredible collection of unique fine wine experiences for wine connoisseurs and aspirational wine drinkers.
The inaugural event is set to take place during the vine’s flowering season after the Term 3 school holidays from 15-24 October 2021. The event will lead into the region’s key industry event, the Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show, from 25-28 October 2021 enabling the opportunity for wine industry KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) to be invited to participate in both.
MRWA and MRBTA have formed a steering committee and are working together with AHOY Management to develop the framework, program, revenue sources and governance structure to support the event’s long-term viability and return, and importantly, delivering return for our region’s businesses, both in terms of profitability and marketability.
AHOY Management have also been contracted to deliver the 2021 event.
MRWA and MRBTA members are invited to register their interest in being part of the member consultation process which is expected to begin in early February.
The next round of certification workshops will be online presented in three 2.5hr sessions held over the following times:
Session 1: Developing a sustainability action plan – 2:00 – 4:30 pm (ACDT), Tuesday 12 January 2021
Session 2: Implementing and maintaining sustainability plans in the office, vineyard and winery – 2:00 – 4:30 pm (ACDT), Wednesday 13 January 2021
Session 3: Review of plans, FAQs and preparing for an audit (including a presentation from an auditor) – 2:00 – 4:30 pm (ACDT), Friday 15 January 2021
*Please note you are required to attend all of these sessions to receive a training certificate.
Please complete registration and payment here as soon as possible to secure your place. Upon receipt of payment, you will receive a confirmation email.
Thursday 28 January 2021
Estimates of Botrytis contamination of wine-grapes are typically conducted using visual inspection of the fruit but such methods are subjective and prone to error. This is particularly the case if the variety of grape in question has a tightly packed cluster with little space between the individual berries. As such it is not unusual to find that the centre of a grape bunch contains fungal rot while the exterior appears disease-free. This presentation will review some of the recent developments and alternative ways in which Botrytis contamination can be assessed and quantified. The advantages and limitations of each of the methods will be compared with particular reference to in-field situations.
The need for action on sustainability is understood by most. The weight of evidence on record breaking temperatures, unprecedented levels of carbon and melting polar ice caps is hard to ignore. Winemakers in Australia and in Margaret River have responded. Over 30 Wineries in Margaret River are members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA).
SWA is the Australian wine industry’s sustainability program – set up to support growers and winemakers to improve the sustainability of their businesses. SWA is managed by the Australian Wine Research Institute supported by Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine.
Being a member requires the submission to SWA of environmental, social and economic data on energy consumption, water usage, waste and biodiversity. About half of the 30 wineries are Certified Members meaning that in addition to supplying data they are independently audited.
I spoke to three winemakers about what they are doing about sustainability and why they are doing it.
CAPE MENTELLE
Ben Cane is a Winemaker at Cape Mentelle, an Australian who has spent much of his career in California before coming to Margaret River in 2018.
“Cape Mentelle have always had a great respect for the land and we understand the privilege of owning and tending old vines”, Ben tells me. Cape Mentelle are long term members of ‘Sustainable Winegrowing Australia’ which Ben feels is important. “It’s a measure of our commitment and puts into action rather than just words how strongly we feel.”
While many people ‘talk the talk’ on environmental matters it was interesting to find out the concrete initiatives Cape Mentelle are driving.
“We have been focussed on reducing our carbon footprint in all we do in the winery, vineyard, offices and warehouses. Solar panel installation, conversion to LED lighting, more highly detailed recycling and waste separation, compost creation, elimination of herbicide use and undervine cultivation,” Ben tells me.
“We bring sheep to graze between our vines between winter and spring, which helps us avoid cultivation when soils can be wet and will be compacted by running tractors over them. We have the added benefit of receiving the manure for fertilisation from our woolly friends. This results in vastly improved soil health, which can result in better resource utilisation, less pollution and ultimately better balanced vines.”
“The biggest impact in the vineyard has been decreased water usage by using precision viticulture to highlight specific areas requiring irrigation, allowing us to reduce usage by 60% between 2016 and 2019.” Cape Mentelle are now fully water self-sufficient.
“Our water capture and recycling system is a great example of a passive flow method of solid removal using natural means allowing us to avoid town water use, capturing rain to supply Cape Mentelle. Our winery waste water is sent back through a series of detoxifying dams of reed beds that remove impurities and allow us to irrigate a wood lot.”
“Upgrading our tractor fleet to be more fuel efficient and using recycling sprayers to recapture any excess spray improve resource utilisation and reduce pollution,” Ben points out.
“Extensive use of compost and natural fertilisers help to improve our water holding capacity in the soil by building organic matter and allow the vines better means of resisting climatic change. “
“Cape Mentelle are in the final stages of attaining ISO14001 certification which is an auditable international standard of environmental practices in the winery, vineyard and all facets of our business. It’s a very rigorous program, but once again illustrates our commitment to sustainability” Ben says.
STORMFLOWER VINEYARD
David Martin is the co-owner of boutique winery Stormflower Vineyard in Wilyabrup and was a cofounder with his business partners of Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle. Their production is on a very different scale to Cape Mentelle but they are no less passionate about sustainability.
“I basically wanted to run the vineyard in way that looked after the environment as much as possible, and did not involve the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers” he tells me. “Organic certification provided a verifiable way of doing this, and Stormflower has been certified organic since 2016. Once I had certified organic grapes, the move to certified organic winemaking was the logical next step.”
“We don’t use chemical pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. We use certified organic composts and fertilisers, we use sheep to control weeds and minimise the amount of machinery used for this purpose, and we do as little disturbance of the soil as possible.
The biggest impact that Stormflower has made has been in the use of certified organic composts and fertilisers. This encourages and enables the build-up of the soil biology, which allows the vines to take up nutrients naturally.
As well as being certified organic Stormflower are also members of SWA.
“It is important because it focusses on measuring and recording data that is different from that required for organic certification, such as the efficiency of use of water and energy, and actions taken around waste management and biodiversity” he tells me. “The discipline around keeping records of this data will encourage us to find ways to improve our performance in these areas.”
I asked David if there confusion about what ‘sustainable’ means versus other ‘green’ approaches like organic, biodynamic or natural winemaking.
“Probably, as they are very different things, a producer can have very strong certified sustainability credentials via the SWA programme without being organic, biodynamic or natural. Both “sustainable” and “natural” are ill defined terms. Even with certification, there is no specific standard of sustainability under the SWA programme. It simply means the data that is being recorded is verified.”
“Both organic and biodynamic have certification standards with respect to viticulture and winemaking. Properly done, with certified grapes, organic and biodynamic winemaking are all environmentally sustainable practices.”
David has put together a useful website on Margaret River wineries that are certified organic and biodynamic www.margaretriverorganicwine.com and those that are in progress towards it.
There are currently 5 wineries who are certified to one of the standards and whose current range of wines is entirely certified organic or biodynamic: Cullen Wines, Blind Corner, Burnside Organic, Settlers Ridge and Stormflower. Encouragingly there are 16 more on the journey. Cullen Wines is also ‘carbon negative’ which means that they are removing more carbon from the atmosphere through offsetting initiatives than they are creating.
The next steps in terms of sustainability for Stormflower Vineyard will involve enhancing the biodiversity of the vineyard through revegetation of the land that is not under vine and increasing the diversity of plants within the vineyard area.
XANADU
For long term and highly awarded Xanadu Winemaker Glenn Goodall “It really just comes down to wanting ‘to do our bit’ and to demonstrate some environmental stewardship.”
About a decade ago, the opportunity arose to get involved with an environmental pilot program and Glenn was keen for Xanadu to join so that they could benefit and improve by being part of a recognised program.
For Xanadu initiatives have included investing in equipment and practices to become more energy and water efficient, recycling, composting, reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the business. They have implemented land care plans, based on biodiversity and biosecurity on the Estate vineyards and encouraged Growers to do the same.
“In the short term I’m looking forward to finally getting the winery converted over to solar power!” he says.
For Glenn there’s no ‘silver bullet’ to sustainability. “It all adds up, but it’s the cumulative effect that results in the biggest impact, which is our attitude and endeavour to keep improving.”
“Record keeping is not a particularly ‘sexy’ aspect, however the requirement to keep accurate records around energy and water use, effluent management, biodiversity etc. means that we have got metrics that we can measure ourselves against,” he tells me.
Unlike Cape Mentelle and Stormflower, Xanadu have taken the extra step of becoming Certified Members of the SWA.
“We certainly feel that it is important to be certified,” Glenn says ”it give us peace of mind that our sustainability claims have been independently verified, and it will now permit us use of a certified trust mark – an assurance to customers and consumers of how the product is produced.”
“There is often confusion about what various claims in this space means; ‘sustainable’ does not necessarily mean organic or biodynamic, although these approaches certainly embrace sustainability! Gaining certification, in whatever approach is used, is the best way to verify how wines have been grown and made.”
For Glenn being part of the program allows Xanadu to benchmark performance against producers all around Australia.
This is perhaps the greatest benefit of working on sustainability through membership of the SWA. The sharing of information shows where there’s room for improvement.
A healthy soil is vital to ensure both high yields and future high yields, as well as environmental protection – there are no negative consequences on the ecosystem from having a healthy soil! But what IS a healthy soil?
Soil health can be defined as a soil’s ability to function and sustain plants, animals and humans as part of the ecosystem. This definition speaks to the importance of managing soils so they are sustainable for future generations. To do this, we need to remember that soil contains living organisms that, when provided the basic necessities of life – food, shelter, and water, – perform functions required to produce food and fibre.
This workshop aims to give participants an introduction to management practices and tools that work to repair and regenerate our soil ecosystems and build resilience from the ground up.
Session 1: Management practices to improve soil health & microbial diversity
Richard Leask, South Australian Viticulturalist & 2019 Nuffield Scholar
Session 2: The soil health tool kit
Emeritus Professor Lynn Abbott
Download presentation here.
Find out more about the program and speakers here.
This event has been made possible through a collaboration between Lower Blackwood Catchment Land Conservation District Committee and the Margaret River Wine Association and is supported by Leaskagri, Wine Australia, Soil Dynamics and Grow Safe.
7 to 11 December
This intensive five-day course is ideal for vintage workers and those who aspire to work in various roles in a winery.
You will learn about the various functions of the winery with an extensive induction and gain hands-on, practical experience in various areas such as manual handling, workplace safety and forklift operation.
Students are required to attend all sessions over the five days.
Get your Forklift Ticket as part of the course.
Find out more and how to register
Last Monday the 30th of November, 12 expert panelists took part in yet another significant milestone for the Margaret River Region Project (MRRP).
Through consultation and support from AWRI, the Pivot Profile Method was used to evaluate unblended samples of 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon submitted from locations throughout the region. Among a list of criteria, samples were all Houghton clone and from older oak.
Ely Jarvis, member of the MRRP sub-committee, worked closely with Wes Pearson from AWRI to plan and implement the process which involves comparing each sample against a control, or “Pivot” wine. The Pivot Profile Method was developed in France in 2014 and is being utilized internationally as a frequency-based, free-descriptive analysis method which has proven to be both robust and inexpensive comparative to many other sensory evaluation protocols.
We look forward to publishing the results once processing is complete and feel confident that the data will help us describe and define Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon in an increasingly meaningful way. If the outcomes look promising, we aim to also use this methodology with 2021 Chardonnay wines.
We are pleased to see that The Margaret River Region Project is steadily progressing and advancing towards a comprehensive narrative which combines the science and romance of our region.
Expert Panelists
Frederique Perrin – Miles from Nowhere
Bruce Dukes – Domaine Naturaliste
Brad Wehr – Amato Vino
Mark Bailey – Howard Park
Glenn Goodall – Xanadu Wines
Courtney Treacher – Brookland Valley
Richard Fennessy – DPIRD
Robert Mann – Corymbia
Severine Logan – Calneggia Family Vineyards
Virgina Willcock – Vasse Felix
Trent Kelly – Credaro Family Estate
Steve James – Voyager Estate
4th to 7th May
Wine Australia will soon be introducing changes to the product approval process in the Wine Australia Licensing and Approval System (WALAS), in preparation for the launch of theWine Export Label Directory. From 1 June 2021, all Australian wine exporters will be required to upload copies of their labels to WALAS prior to submitting a shipping application. To assist with this transition, exporters will be able to voluntarily upload labels from early May (users will be advised as soon as this option is available) and multiple daily online training sessions will be available from 4 to 7 May 2021. Register for training here and read FAQs for more information.
27 & 28 February 2021
A new wine festival by CMS Events to be held at the B Shed in Fremantle on the long weekend 27 & 28 February 2021.
As an exhibitor you will be able to provide complimentary wine tastings, glass sales for onsite, bottle sales for takeaway and carton sales for delivery after the event. Its also a great opportunity to increase your database and future sales.Each stand is 3m by 2m and includes company sign, trestle, ice, water, wine bags, spittoon, exhibitor pack and cool room for only $1450. A social media pack can be purchased as an extra for $150 and will include an enewsletter feature, Instagram post and Facebook post.
Contact Paige Stirton, Sales & Marketing Manager, CMS Events for more information and to book your stand.
08 9201 9888 | 0434 825 827 | [email protected]
1 to 3 December
The 28th annual Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference, to be held at the HEART, Margaret River, is less than one month away. This year, Eco Tourism are offering an online attendance and a series of ‘Satellite Nodes’ around the country. If you live in Western Australia you can attend onsite and enjoy all Margaret River has to offer, whilst national and international guests can use the online experience, or join a more social event at one of the hubs. To view the full list of satellite node locations, click here.
The Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA), Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA), Busselton, Margaret River and Augusta Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs), City of Busselton (CoB) and Shire of Augusta Margaret River (SAMR) recognise that many of our members are struggling to secure staff due to the unprecedented housing availability crisis across the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
The industry bodies understand this is an urgent issue and that many businesses are now considering constraining the quality and/or capacity of their operations, which is a significant setback in individual businesses, and the region’s, Covid-19 recovery.
The group have been working together to develop targeted, coordinated solutions to the issue, which include:
Encouraging homeowners and occupiers to rent spare rooms to seasonal workers via a local marketing campaign.
Calling for the State Government to extend the Government’s ‘Primary Industries Workers Regional Travel and Accommodation Support Scheme’ to tourism and hospitality workers, enabling them to obtain a subsidy of up to $40 per night, or $280 per week, for accommodation.
Calling for the State Government to offer a further payment to any accommodation supplier, including motels, chalets, and bed and breakfasts, which make accommodation available exclusively for seasonal workers.
Preparedness of local governments to find ways to fast track approval of rural workers accommodation, temporary expansion of nature-based camping sites, temporary expansion of camping areas and the temporary use of tourism accommodation for worker accommodation. Health, safety and environmental issues will, however, still need to be adequately addressed, and approvals may be on a temporary basis only. Businesses are encouraged to contact their relevant local government for more information and to progress an application.
If you are requiring accommodation for staff, please complete this form. This will assist the industry bodies to quantify the issue and advance its advocacy efforts.
The adoption of organic and sustainable viticultural and winemaking practices is increasing around the world in response to climate change and economic, health and other social concerns of land managers and wine consumers. Organic and sustainable production systems have many similarities, with both aiming to protect and enhance the natural environment and ecological diversity. The two systems have different approaches to achieving those aims. In this webinar, Liz Pitcher will address some of the more common questions about these two production systems.
Interactive Insights – book now for specialised training
Wine Australia has recently launched its new Interactive Insights portal and we’re offering tailored training on how to access targeted information for your state or region.
The conference will hear from grape and wine producers and leading researchers who will present the latest findings on bushfire preparedness, smoke effects and recovery from fire to ensure that grapegrowers, winemakers and businesses are better prepared, better informed and better equipped to handle the decisions that need to be made before, during and after bushfires.
The Chardonnay clone Gingin was imported into Western Australia in 1957 and has become one of Australia’s oldest recognised Chardonnay clones. While its phenotypic similarity to other Chardonnay clones has been noted, its exact origins remained a mystery. The AWRI has established a robust methodology for Chardonnay clonal identification that harnesses the detailed information provided by whole-genome DNA sequencing. This genomic technology was applied to unravel the history of this important grapevine clone by sequencing samples of Gingin and other clones suspected to be related to Gingin, including Mendoza and OF Chard. The findings shed light on the origins of these Chardonnay clones, while demonstrating the utility of the clonal genetic identification technology.
The 2020 Margaret River Wine Association Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at a sold out Gala Dinner at Leeuwin Estate on Thursday 19 November to Dorham Mann OAM for his critical role in pioneering the Margaret River wine region.
Mann said “I am very proud to have had the opportunity to contribute in its early years to the development of wine production in the Margaret River region. From the beginning, I knew that the area’s distinctive and highly attractive varietal characters, exemplified in Cabernet Sauvignon, would ensure a wonderful future.”
Dorham Mann was born in the Swan Valley on 10 May 1939. His grandfather, George Mann, made wine in the Barossa Valley at Château Tanunda; he became a winemaker at Santa Rosa in WA in 1906 , at Glen Hardy in 1908 and then at Houghton’s in 1910. Dorham’s father, Jack Mann, began work at Houghton as an apprentice in 1922 and took over from his father in 1930, ultimately completing 51 vintages at Houghton Winery.
Dorham grew up on the Houghton 600 acres property in the Swan Valley with a childhood heavily involved in wine. He went to the University of Western Australia on a government agricultural science cadetship; he decided to become involved in viticulture due to the influence of Bill Jamieson.
One of the key recommendations of the Olmo Report in 1956 was that the Department of Agriculture should appoint an extension oenologist. Dorham was sent to Roseworthy College in 1963 to subsequently fill this role. He helped establish the experimental vineyard at Mt Barker (another Olmo Report recommendation) in 1966 to demonstrate the potential for the production of cool-climate table wines. Whilst at the Department of Agriculture, Dorham went above and beyond his role to help the early pioneers in Margaret River. He helped many with their site selections and early plantings; Sandalford and Cape Mentelle being two examples.
At the end of 1972, Dorham left the Department of Agriculture to become the Sandalford winemaker. Having seen the potential of the Margaret River region first-hand, he was motivated by a desire to help set a standard for Margaret River wines. At Sandalford from 1972 to 1987, Dorham identified and helped establish Sandalford’s Margaret River vineyard and made high-quality table wines from a range of varieties including Riesling, Verdelho, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. By the early 1980’s Sandalford was selling in excess of 20,000 cases of Margaret River Riesling per year, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, mainly to east coast markets, providing to many their first taste of Margaret River wine. At Sandalford, Dorham produced wines that won numerous gold medals and awards, including the 1978 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, which was the highest-pointed young Cabernet at the Melbourne Show. The volume of quality wine produced and the show successes helped establish the market for and success of Margaret River-branded wine, as well as raise the profile of the region across Australia and overseas.
Dorham’s vast experience ensured that he could always be considered a reliable source of information across all segments of the production process which was particularly important at the very beginnings of vine planting and winemaking in the Margaret River region. This contribution continued after he left Sandalford with his work as a private consultant, for example at Lenton Brae, where he guided the production of the 1992 Chardonnay, awarded the best White wine of the Perth Royal Show.
Dorham Mann’s contribution to the Margaret River region is twofold; firstly, that as a Consultant, both with the Department of Agriculture and in a private capacity, and as the Senior Winemaker for Sandalford Wines.
6 decades after returning from Roseworthy in 1963, Dorham continues to make wine from his home vineyard in the Swan Valley, specialising in Méthode Champenoise.
Dorham Mann OAM Additional Information
Served as a Royal Australian Show Judge for 30 years
President of the Wine and Brandy Producers Association of Western Australia
Western Australia Technical Representative for the Federal Wine and Brandy Producers Council
Foundation President of the Swan Valley and regional Winemakers Association
Former President of the Swan Valley Vintners Club
Awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the Wine Industry in 1994
Named as one of the inaugural “Swan Valley Icons” by the Swan Valley Regional Winemakers Association in 2010.
Awarded the “Jack Mann Memorial Medal” in 2012, an award named in honour of his father and presented to an individual who has made a significant/major contribution to the WA Wine Industry.
Awarded Life Member of Wines of Western Australia in 2019
South Regional TAFE Margaret River Campus
South Regional TAFE provides high-quality vocational training, apprenticeships, traineeships and short courses that can lead to an exciting career. You can study full-time, part-time or online. Their training delivery is flexible to suit your needs.
Employers of vintage and pruning workers are invited to join Rural Enterprises, the Harvest Trail Services (HTS) Provider for the South West, to an online Information Session on:
Who are Rural Enterprises?
What is the Harvest Trail Service (HTS)?
There is no cost to use the HTS services.
Overview of the services they provide:
– Planning your workforce and recruitment needs
– Sourcing suitable workers to meet your vineyard labour needs
– Advertising your job vacancies on the Harvest Trail Jobs Board
– Connecting you with eligible workers
Reliable information about fair, safe, and legal work arrangements and responsibilities of the employer
Latest Seasonal Worker Trends
What Seasonal Workers are looking for
Learnings from Vintage 2021
How to secure your workforce for the upcoming pruning season
Q&A
Find Zoom recording here, the link also includes the PowerPoint Presentation and the Harvest Trail Services brochure.
Wine Australia has developed a new Introductory Growing Wine Tourism and Exports program to help wine businesses grow exports and attract more tourists into their wine region.
Delivered online, the workshops cover insights, tools and strategies to grow your business.
Join us to explore the breathtaking Margaret River region and its fresh, elegant Chardonnays. Discover how the region’s maritime influences, ancient soils, modern history and Gingin clones all contribute to create this unique style.
Winemakers Steve James (Voyager Estate) and Virginia Willcock (Vasse Felix) will be beaming in live from Margaret River, whilst Tom Cannavan leads the conversation and fields questions.
The winemakers will be sharing their experiences in the vineyard and winery as well as their perspectives on the region and the wines. Find out what’s special about Margaret River and why it’s such a hotspot for Chardonnay. Discover the opportunities and challenges working with this grape variety, what the winemakers are learning and how they’re adapting.
Tom, Steve and Virginia will be tasting and talking about these six wines during the webinar:
Thompson Estate Chardonnay 2018
Flametree S.R.S. Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2018
Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2018
McHenry Hohnen Hazel’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
Voyager Estate MJW Chardonnay 2017
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2017
Presented by the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) the Wine Tourism Excellence Award recognises the important part Wine Tourism plays in the continued development of Margaret River’s fine wine reputation.
The winner will receive a $2,000 education and training bursary courtesy of the MRBTA.
Entrants are required to have managed a single Cellar Door within the Margaret River GI for at least 18 months. To apply complete the 2020 Wine Tourism Excellence Application Form (Word document). Entries close 31 October with the winner announced at the Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show Gala Awards Dinner on 19 November at Leeuwin Estate.
Calling for applications from Margaret River Viticulturists or Vineyard Managers! We need your help to find the recipient of the 2020 Viticultural Excellence Award presented by Happs.
The winner will be announced at the Langton’s 2020 Margaret River Wine Show Gala Awards Dinner and will receive a $2,000 travel/education/training bursary.
The Viticultural Excellence Award was developed in 2007 to acknowledge that great wines start in the vineyard. It celebrates the importance of viticulture to the Margaret River Wine Region and recognises a person’s outstanding achievement in the Margaret River wine industry.
To be eligible for the award, nominees must complete the application form by 31 October. Three finalists will be selected by the judging panel, made up from industry professionals. A site visit will take place for each finalist as well as an interview with the judges to determine the winner.
Enter yourself by completing the 2020 Viticultural Excellence Application Form (Word document) or to nominate someone you think is worthy of receiving this award either send their contact details to Pip or forward them the application form and encourage them to enter.
Viticultural Excellence Award Previous Winners
2019 – Ianto Ward (Juniper Estate)
2018 – Steve Martin (Stella Bella)
2017 – John Fogarty (Deep Woods Estate)
2016 – Suzie Muntz (Xanadu Wines)
2014 – Ashley Wood (Cape Mentelle)
2013 – Dave Botting (Howard Park & Madfish Wines)
2012 – Jaden McLean (Woodlands Wines)
2011 – Bart Maloney (Vasse Felix)
2010 – James Harris (KarriBindi)
2009 – Keith Scott (St Margaret’s Vineyard)
2008 – Teresa Gibellini (Glamorgan Estate)
2007 – Steve James (Voyager Estate)
Western Australia’s hospitality industry is being prepared for a return to business with the launch of a mandatory COVID-19 hygiene training program to protect the public and venue staff. This training initiative ensures strong COVID-19 protections will be in place when restrictions are eased in the future.
The course is being delivered by the Australian Hotels Association (WA) and is supported by the McGowan Government.
This training applies to all Cellar Door and food service staff and is mandatory prior to re-opening of premises.
A trained Hygiene Officer must be on the premises at all times (if you intend on completing the Hygiene Officer Course, you do not need to complete the Tier 1):
Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Online Training
This course includes a series of short videos, interspersed with questions, designed to educate and consolidate an alcohol marketer’s understanding of the ABAC system and the high standards for marketing and packaging alcohol in Australia.
Webinar: Future Leaders – Take your wine career to the next level
13 October @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pmACDT
Wine Australia’s Future Leaders Program is the wine community’s peak personal and professional leadership program. It is designed for the ’emerging leaders’ who are ready to step up and take their businesses and our sector to the next level.
What’s available to you? presented by BDO AustraliaNow more than ever, it’s important for all businesses to ensure that they are up to date and making the most of the tax incentives, Research and Development (R&D) incentives and grants that are available. The support measures for the Wine Industry announced in the recent Federal Budget are also important to be aware of.
Join Ryan Wilton, Director, Business Services and Melissa Fardone Director, R&D and Grants from BDO for a practical presentation and hear how your business can take advantage of these incentives.
This webinar is free to ALL WCA Members. Non-Members will be charged $50 + GST to access the webinar.
The 2018 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon is the 2020 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge Trophy winner, scoring 97 points and taking out the top prize from 364 entries from 29 regions across the Australia.
Xanadu Senior Winemaker, Glenn Goodall said “I’m absolutely wrapped! We’ve always taken enormous pride in our Cabernet Sauvignons, so to be awarded as the Cabernet Challenge Trophy in this year’s Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge is definitely the highlight of 2020, and a huge achievement for everyone involved at Xanadu, especially our growers.
“Cabernet Sauvignon loves Margaret River, and there would have been some strong wines in the mix given 2018 was such an amazing vintage here. No doubt, in years to come everyone’s 2018 Cabernets will still be the yardstick by which such exceptional vintages are remembered, so to have our 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon recognised like this, amongst so many great Australian producers, is extremely rewarding for the whole Xanadu team.”
Last night the results of the James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge presented by Langton’s were announced on Langton’s Youtube channel and streamed to Facebook. It was great to see five regional winners presented in what was a true celebration of the world’s most planted and extremely versatile, food-friendly variety.
The streamed virtual presentation following the 3-days of virtual judging which is believed to be a world-first as it was held simultaneously in two separate judging hubs in Coonawarra and Margaret River, due to Covid-19 travel restrictions restricting judges to gather together.
The 2020 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge Regional Winners are:
Adelaide Hills Best of Region
Wines by Geoff Hardy
2018 K1 By Geoff Hardy 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon – 95 points
Barossa Valley Best of Region
Casella Family Brands 2018 Peter Lehmann Wines Masters Mentor Cabernet Sauvignon – 95 points
Coonawarra Best of Region
Brand’s Laira of Coonawarra
2018 Brand’s Laira 1968 Vines Cabernet Sauvignon – 96 points
Margaret River Best of Region and Trophy Winner
Xanadu Wines
2018 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon – 97 points
Yarra Valley Best of Region
Boat O’Craigo Wines
2018 Boat O’Craigo Braveheart Cabernet Sauvignon – 96 points
The full results are also now available to view at www.australiancabernetchallenge.com.au
10 Sept
The South West of WA is synonymous with quality and unique experiences, representing the best that Australia has to offer.
Remaining connected to the market whether it be local or international has never been so important. All sectors of government realise this and there are several programmes that are designed to assist local businesses to weather the storm.
RooLife is a WA-based and ASX-listed company and is hosting a seminar on 10 September for SW businesses on how these programmes can be leveraged to activate sales, locally and internationally, and grow sustainably the South West.
MRWA been working with labour hire agencies, Wines of WA and government to develop solutions for the labour shortages now and for vintage 2021.
WA Govt. is investing $57 million in the training sector, as part of the WA Recovery Plan, to upskill Western Australians and provide easier access to training. This includes free and subsidised TAFE courses to get people job-ready for roles in the agriculture sector, plus free and reduced-fee TAFE courses in hospitality.
Federal and WA Govt. have also funded the FREE job-matching platforms Harvest Trail Services and Studium for businesses to link jobseekers with critical agricultural work.
MRWA encourages all employers to register their details and vintage 2021 positions on these recruitment websites as soon as possible.
Studium Job-Matching Services www.studium.work
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is funding Studium to work with agricultural employers to supply workers for businesses facing short supply. To date there are 11,147 job seekers registered on the job matching platform and 152 employers now on-board.
Anyone requiring advice in relation to training opportunities and job-matching services are encouraged to contact DPIRD who will be able to provide assistance.
Harvest Trail Services Rural Enterprises is the Harvest Trail Services (HTS) Provider for the South West.
Contact HTS for advice and help with:
1. Planning your workforce and recruitment needs
2. Sourcing suitable workers to meet your harvest labour needs
3. Advertising your job vacancies on the Harvest Trail Jobs Board
4. Connecting you with eligible harvest workers
Three days of simultaneous judging of 364 wine exhibits from 29 different wine regions in Coonawarra and Margaret River wrapped up the 2020 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge presented by Langton’s last week.
In what is believed to be a world first, the judging panels, stewards and organising teams connected through Zoom, Skype, telephone, social media and the AWRI wine show judging software, to make the show run smoothly.
It was a true celebration of the world’s most planted variety, and the Australian regions who champion the variety.
Margaret River Panel Chair, Robert Mann said at the commencement of Day-One that “people drink wine for enjoyment, but people drink cabernet for enlightenment”.
During the 3-days of judging, five live-crosses to the judging venues were shared on Facebook and Instagram, which have been watched by over 8,500 people to-date. The pre-teaser CABERNET LIVE that was broadcast on International Cabernet Day has also had over 14,000 views, showing a huge interest in Cabernet Sauvignon by social media users.
Results to be announced at 6pm AWST (8pm AEST) Thursday 24th September. We’ll be live on Langton’s Youtube channel and we’ll stream to Langton’s Facebook page too. Don’t miss out, like and subscribe!
The Challenge is a true celebration of Cabernet Sauvignon and regions who champion the variety, with the Margaret River Wine Association, Coonawarra Vignerons and Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association collaborating on all elements of the competition.
Organisers of this year’s James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge are excited to announce a pre-teaser virtual tasting and chat session to coincide with the varietal day that falls a week before the prestigious national competition. “In the lead up to the Challenge, we’ve rounded up three all-star winemakers (and Cabernet Challenge judges) to join us for “CABERNET LIVE”, a virtual tasting on International Cabernet Day at 5pm AEST | 4.30pm ACT | 3pm AWST on Thursday 3rd September”, said Margaret River Wine Chief Executive Officer, Amanda Whiteland.
“Despite having to withdraw from judging activities, Yarra Valley will be streaming CABERNET LIVE as part of our popular, weekly Thursday Wine Down sessions via Facebook Live, so follow @margaretriverwines1 @coonawarra or @ wineyarravalley1”, said Caroline Evans, Wine Yarra Valley, Chief Executive Officer.
Coonawarra Vignerons acting EO Heidi Eldridge is encouraging wine enthusiasts to tune in and be entertained “Our presenting judges/ winemakers will be tasting through a trio of past Cabernet Challenge Trophy winners from their states of origin. There will be plenty of insights and a lot of fun banter. It’s a great opportunity to compare tasting notes and sit back to learn from the masters, while enjoying your own favourite bottle of Australian Cabernet at home!”.
The wines that will be included in the tasting and discussion include last year’s James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge regional winners;
2017 Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra, 2018 Dominique Portet Fontaine from Yarra Valley and Trophy winner, 2018 Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River.
Hosted by wine writer and presenter Erin Larkin and featuring winemakers/ judges:
• Julian Langworthy, Winemaker at Deep Woods Estate / Owner at Nocturne Wines (Representing WA)
• Jane Ferrari, Independent Wine Consultant, formerly Yalumba (Representing SA)
• Ben Portet, Winemaker at Dominique Portet (Representing VIC)
22 September
Margaret River wine producers are invited to attend a wine tasting workshop featuring the latest wine trials from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Hosted by DPIRD research scientist Richard Fennessy, the tasting will include:
Two clones of Merlot produced from Margaret River
Four clones of Shiraz produced from Frankland River
Six clones of Tempranillo produced from Geographe
Trial wines of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon and Frankland River Shiraz demonstrating how water additions can mitigated elevated Baumes and the impact on wine quality
The tasting will be held on Tuesday 22 September at the Margaret River Education Campus (sensory lab) starting at 1.30pm until 4.30pm.
Wine Australia is investing $750,000 in improvements to theAustralian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) national online platform to develop wine-related functionality and help wineries more effectively market their businesses and increase their online exposure through tourism distribution networks.
The webinar will be delivered by the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) with a representative from each relevant State Tourism Organisation. The sessions are designed to be practical and informative and to help transition wineries to the ADTW platform.
Wednesday 14 October & Wednesday 28 October, 8.30am – 9.30am
With COVID-19 severely restricting traditional routes to market, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channels are now more important than ever for Australian wine businesses. Wine Australia is hosting experienced international DTC specialist Georgia Rasmussen for this free, special two-part webinar series, as she introduces eight core principles for wineries to help grow DTC sales opportunities. Also hear from guest wineries about their own DTC journey. Georgia will share valuable tips and practical resources in this two-part webinar series not to be missed by wineries interested in growing their business.
Dates: Wednesday 14 and Wednesday 28 October 2020 Time: 11 am – 12 pm SA (11.30 am NSW, VIC, TAS; 10.30 am QLD; 8.30 am WA)
A recording of this webinar will be accessible by Australian wine sector levy payers only.
If you would like to discuss any aspects of this presentation, please contact Georgia directly at [email protected]
The Wine Tourism Product Development Business Coaching Program provides subsidised assistance to businesses across the Margaret River region to accelerate the development and growth of compelling wine tourism experiences for visitors from our region’s key international tourism and export markets.
There are six places available in the two part program, which entitles business to up to 60 hours of business coaching support. The program is valued at $6,000, but available to MRWA, MRBTA or ASW members at a subsidised cost of $3,000. Please see full details of program on page 2 here.
The program is currently taking Expressions of Interest. EOI’s will be reviewed by the International Wine Tourism Steering Grant Committee. Preference will be given to businesses who are seeking to develop product not currently available in the Margaret River region, with the ability to drive visitation.
This program is supported by the International Wine Tourism Grant funded by Wine Australia, MRWA, MRBTA, SWDC and ASW.
Join us in celebrating the world’s most widely planted vine (and delicious wine)!
Similar to the successful Chardonnay Campaign we ran early this year, we will be:
Posting to socials with Cabernet with stories, facts and recipes to encourage everyone shop for Margaret River Cabernet to celebrate Cabernet Day
“Cabernet Live” virtual tasting with Yarra Valley & Coonawarra
Cabernet themed eDM & blogs
Cross promotion with Nick Ryan and the Good Food & Wine Show
And the James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge by Langton’s (judging on 7th-8th Sept)
What you can do:
Let us know what you have planned so we can promote and share your photos, stories and online events
Please send U an updated offer for our SHOP page with any Cabernet specific deals
Tag us in your IG posts and stories @margaret_river_wine
Hashtag #MargaretRiverCabernet and #InternationalCabernetDay and encourage everyone to do the same
PS apparently in the UK it is celebrated on 30 Aug but Australia follows the US, therefore celebrating on the Thursday before the US Labour Day weekend.
26 August
Australian Grape & Wine is proud to present the 2020 Australian Wine Industry Grower Summit. Join them for this free, 2 hour virtual interactive summit to hear from, and engage with, experts in their field as they discuss water management, varieties and market trends, marketing your business to be a supplier of choice, succession planning and strategic planning for a business in 2020 – from a growers perspective.
South Regional TAFE provides high-quality vocational training, apprenticeships, traineeships and short courses that can lead to an exciting career. You can study full-time, part-time or online. Their training delivery is flexible to suit your needs.
Seasonal weather aside, drinking local cabernet – which also happens to be some of the very best wine in Australia – has never made more sense than it does right now.
By Erin Larkin.
As the weather cools off and the fires in our hearths (actual or otherwise) are lit, no doubt plenty of wines have been nobly sacrificed for the greater good of enjoyment. For the inveterate cabernet drinkers out there the change in season won’t matter a jot, but if you drink with the weather, then autumn and winter mean one thing: red wine. Whichever way that particular cookie may crumble in your house, one thing is for certain: the cabernets are starting to sweat right about now, for their time has come. The cooler nights have you whispering as you walk past them, ‘your days are numbered, my friends’.
Margaret River enjoys an enviable position at the very top of the Australian cabernet tree, with wine press in Australia and further afield praising the wines from this little windswept corner of Oz for their high quality, age-worthiness, and deliciousness. Margaret River’s most vocal proponent is undoubtedly James Halliday, describing in his article written for Winemaker of the Year 2020 (awarded to Vanya Cullen) “the Margaret River region is richly endowed with its percentage of 5-red-star wineries – to simply stay where you are is to imperil your very existence in this highly charged world.” The cabernets from Margaret River are so good, that the last two Jimmy Watson trophies awarded to the region for 2014 and 2016 wines, were cabernets. In fact, every Jimmy Watson Trophy ever awarded to a wine from Margaret River – and there have been six in total – have all been awarded to cabernet sauvignon or cab blends. That paints a very clear picture of regional strength. Labelled the ‘king of grapes’, cabernet has carved out an authoritative territory in Margaret River and has an escalating reputation on the rise that shows no signs of slowing down.
There is a well-established group of consistently terrific cabernet makers in the region, the likes of Cullen, Vasse Felix, Woodlands, Moss Wood, Xanadu, Deep Woods, Leeuwin… so here is a list of five you may not have had the chance to look at yet.
Five Cabernets To Try:
2017 Windows Estate Petit Lot Basket Pressed Cabernet Sauvignon – love this medium bodied, elegant and spicy cabernet, much more about the finesse than the oomph. Brilliant packaging completes the already very attractive picture.
2018 Nocturne Wines Sheoak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – pure, concentrated and pristine cassis fruit. This is an elegant blockbuster. From one of the glory vintages of the region. The cooler vintage 2019 rolling out very soon…
2018 Walsh and Sons Roi Cabernet Sauvignon – another beautiful wine/label combo, Roi is a step outside the box, one you will not regret.
2017 Victory Point Cabernet Sauvignon – Another brilliant cabernet in the hands of a small boutique producer. Located about 15 ks east of Gracetown, and on an approximate parallel.
2016 Grace Farm Cabernet Sauvignon – nestled less than 3 ks from the coast, Grace Farm consistently produce wines of value, poise and charm.
The Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) Board is relieved to be notified of the Geographical Indications Committee’s (GIC) decision not to determine Wilyabrup as a Geographical Indication (GI) within the Margaret River wine region (GI).
The MRWA Board holds a unified belief that the region is not yet in a position to scientifically validate where, or to what extent, uniqueness or uniformity occurs within the Margaret River GI based on the Wine Australia criteria in section 57 of the Act.
Currently, MRWA is working on an exciting study, The Margaret River Region Project (MRRP), to evaluate the links between landscape, meso climates, soil types and variations within wine produced in the Margaret River GI, particular in relation to the region’s signature varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
This project will provide the most up-to-date scientific data of where GI’s or sub-regions within the Margaret River wine region, may or may not, exist.
To date, the project has been supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), CSIRO, soil scientists, climate analysts, academics and experienced viticulturists and winemakers. The study will also include sensory analysis to identify areas which are distinct in climate or soil characteristics that could set them apart from the remainder of the Margaret River region.
It is with much relief that the GIC has reached this decision, allowing time for the necessary scientific work to be completed through the Margaret River Region Project, and for any GI’s within the Margaret River wine region to be granted on the most up-to-date data and thorough scientific basis.
The GIC has published a Statement of Reasons on their determination which is available here.
The Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2021 have been announced and congratulations to the Margaret River Award Winners!
Best of the Best Sauvignon Blanc – Flowstone Queen of the Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2018 – 97 points
Best of the Best Chardonnay – Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2017 – 99 points
Best of the Best Rose – Nocturne Wines Nebbiolo Rose 2019 – 96 points
Best of the Best Cabernet Sauvignon – Moss Wood Wilyabrup Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 – 99 points
Also, to Flowstone Wines and Deep Woods Estate for being named in the Ten of the Best Value Wineries.
Download the overview of Margaret River’s Best of the Best and the 65 wineries who received a 5-star rating (11.6% of all the 5-star wineries in Australia).
LO-FI WINE IN MARGARET RIVER is riding the very front of the wave of ‘cool’ right now. There is no doubt it is trending. But… what is it?
By Erin Larkin
In a nutshell, while the term is officially undefined, it indicates that a wine has been made with a ‘minimal intervention’ ‘hands-off’, or ‘lo-fi’ approach in the winery. This does NOT mean ‘lazy’, or ‘less work’, in fact it can often be quite the opposite. Lo-fi indicates no or very few additions or adjustments throughout the fermentation process (such as but not limited to: acidification/deacidification, added tannin, chaptalisation (aka added sugar), inoculated ferments and most other tweaks that you can imagine here) and often the wines are bottled unfiltered and/or unfined. Whether or not sulphur is added at bottling is up to the winemaker, however it does assist in maintaining freshness and stability post bottling, so not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.
These principles in the winery often follow-on from the farming practice in the vineyards. When applied to viticultural practice, ‘lo-fi’ can refer to an avoidance of pesticides/herbicides sprays on the vines were possible, and the implementation of sheep, guinea fowl and others to assist with supporting overall biodiversity and health of the earth, the vines and the surrounding grounds. The animals also help to keep inter-row weeds at bay, all the while contributing their manure as a natural fertiliser. All in all, a pretty neat and logical circle of life, really. Organics and bio-dynamics (certified or practiced) are not necessary to the lo-fi movement, but they are often part and parcel, as both methodologies eschew the use of chemicals and encourage a more ‘natural’ approach to growing grapes and making wine.
I have just referred to ‘lo-fi’ as a ‘movement’, which makes an implication about impermanence. That is not the intention. I firmly believe that the focus on minimal intervention in winemaking is a) not ground-breaking – it has been happening since the dawn of time in relation to winemaking, we are just coming a full circle, and b) our current fascination with it is a product of our desire as consumers in 2020 – we not only want to know more about what goes into the food and drink products that we buy and consume, we demand it. The world has moved on into an educated space and as technology advances, and our knowledge of the impact of the chemicals we use have on the environment and our bodies expands, we become more vigilant about what we put in them. Hence, this uncomplicated approach to growing the right clones in the right place, utilising natural defence mechanisms where possible against pests and threats to overall vineyard health, and then bringing those grapes into the winery at the right time and ushering them into the bottle, is not only the healthy choice but the most effective way of conveying the story of their place.
So apart from the obvious, isn’t that why we choose one wine over another in the first place – to taste the difference, to taste the place?
16 & 17 September 2020 1pm – 3.30pm
Finlaysons Wine (Off) Roadshow 28
FORTIFYING YOUR BUSINESS
Building resilience by learning from 2020
There is no point in “sugar coating” it – it has been a horrible year for the Australian wine sector. We started with a devastating drought, were then hit by bushfires and the smoke taint impacts of those fires and then along came a Coronavirus and finally some serious geopolitical tensions affecting one of our major export markets. The industry is renowned for its resilience, but have we ever been tested like this?
The important thing is that we learn from these experiences. Disasters will come again, probably when we least expect it. Next time, we should be better prepared.
Much has been written and spoken about crisis management in recent times, but not much of that has delved deeply into how to manage your employees at the moment disaster strikes or on the finer points of insurance law that have critical financial impacts. Nor do many of the commentators know what is really happening in Australia’s key wine export markets. Finally, what have we learnt at an industry level to make the Australian wine sector even more resilient?
Sadly, for the first time in 28 years, Finlaysons will not be visiting Australia’s leading wine regions, to impart their wine law knowledge, in person. However, the show must go on! Please join Finlaysons’ workplace, insurance and commercial lawyers, and the CEO’s of Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine, for a webinar that tackles these issues.
Click here to attend Finlaysons’ Wine (Off) Roadshow 28 with a view to “fortifying your business”.
27 August
A good revegetation project is one that integrates the native bush into the whole farm enterprise. It may rehabilitate degraded land, use native vegetation productively, or improve wildlife habitat. There is a long list of benefits to be gained from revegetating areas of your farm, these include:
to establish wildlife habitat;
to enhance biodiversity to encourage birds & pollinators, beneficial insects, & soil fauna
to establish buffers to protect native bush;
to link patches of remnant bush;
to establish shelterbelts for stock or crop protection
to establish windbreaks for erosion control;
to control run-off;
to manage problems such as salinity and waterlogging;
to aid in improved water holding capacity of pastures
and to increase the natural capital value of your property
The Winery Engineering Association (WEA) and Winetitles Media will collaborate in September to host the WineEng 2020 Forum and Trade Review, with sessions and exhibits presenting the latest innovations, technology and trends for wine makers, winery production operators, suppliers and other industry professionals.
The mysterious origin of Margaret River’s much-loved Gingin clone of Chardonnay has been solved in a study recently published in the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research.
Gingin is the most planted clone of Chardonnay in the Margaret River wine region. It is known both for its tendency to produce loose grape bunches with berries of different sizes and for making complex and elegant wines.
Introduced into Western Australia in 1957 via University of California, Davis, Gingin was believed by some to be derived from the same source material as a clone known as Old Foundation Block (OF) Chardonnay, but was also commonly thought of as being the same as another clone with similar traits, called Mendoza.
The new genomics research has revealed that all three clones have a shared heritage, in an old Californian source block at UC Davis. They are, however, quite distinct from each other.
In particular, Gingin and Mendoza are as different from each other as they are from any of the other clonal selections of Chardonnay, despite their shared origins.
Margaret River Wine Association CEO, Amanda Whiteland says, “This work has not only solved a decades-old mystery but it also reinforces the uniqueness of Margaret River Chardonnay, and the important part the Gingin clone plays in it the Margaret River regional story.”
The APC Collection Outcomes show that Margaret River GI Crush Totals were:
MRWA estimates Vintage 2020 will be approx. 28,000 tonnes based on our own survey of wine producers that represented 65% of the 2019 crush.
This is quite a different picture to the 2020 National Vintage Report was released earlier this month by Wine Australia and can be found here.
For Vintage 2020, Wine Australia reported Margaret River winegrape crush increased +4.8% to 21,312 tonnes vs. the 2019 Wine Australia National Vintage Report that stated Margaret River’s crush as 20,330.
Despite under-estimating Margaret River volume (due to limited survey respondents), the Wine Australia Report is an important industry document, as it includes:
– State summary statistics by variety;
– Regional vintage statistics by variety;
– Average purchase value per tonne for each variety, and total value of the crush in each region;
– Planting details for the state and each region; and
– Historical trends and comparisons with previous vintages.
A more detailed Margaret River Summary report can be found here.
59 Margaret River producers responded in 2020 and 62 responded in 2019 to the Wine Australia survey.
This is significant less that the 181 producers that declared crushing grapes from Margaret River in Vintage 2019 to the APC.
We really encourage all wine producers to respond to Wine Australia’s survey in future vintages to enable this report to give a more accurate reflection of the region.
Enjoy the best of WA’s wine, craft beer, cider and spirits in a festival to celebrate our unique and boutique beverages. Along with 45+ companies from regions across our extraordinary state, you can talk and sell to visitors ready to buy!
Be apart of UnWined Subiaco and enjoy great branding, marketing and sales!
Despite considerable improvements in the control of malolactic fermentation (MLF), Australian winemakers may still experience stuck or sluggish MLF, particularly in white and sparkling base wines. In these cases, knowledge of factors influencing yeast and malolactic bacteria strain compatibility, such as the amount of SO2 a yeast strain produces, becomes vital for successful MLF. Following an overview of the options for different timings of malolactic starter culture inoculation, this webinar provides insights from recent research investigating the effectiveness of co-inoculation as a strategy to improve MLF performance in difficult wine conditions. The effects of co-inoculating Oenococcus oeni with SO2-producing yeast strains on bacterial survival, MLF, diacetyl production and sensory properties of Chardonnay will be highlighted.
Join Lower Blackwood LCDC for this topical & informative discussion.
Here in the South West our farms typically have lush green annual pastures throughout winter & spring, with minimal active growth throughout the summer. Reports taken from the time of European settlement in southern Australia tell a different story, a story of rich plant diversity and of more summer active than winter-active plants in the original vegetation. Nature clearly intended that there be no ‘dead’ seasons. How was it possible in our hot, dry summers? The answer lay in the water holding capacity of the soil.
How can it be done?
How can we:
increase the water holding capacity of our soils
achieve flourishing communities of beneficial soil microbes
maintain year round species rich pastures, &
itransition from a solely winter/spring annual pasture system to a more perennial system?
Find answers to these questions and more in Lower Blackwood Catchment’s next webinar – ‘Restoring Farmland Soils in our Mediterranean Environment’ with Australian soil ecologist Dr Christine Jones.
In this special 1.5 hour webinar, Dr Jones will explain the truly amazing connections between plants, microbes & the soil, and how a positive feedback loop between them all can work to restore our farmland soils.
MORE ABOUT DR CHRISTINE JONES, AMAZING CARBON
We are delighted to bring to you internationally renowned & highly respected ground cover & soils specialist, Dr. Christine Jones.
Armed with a PhD (Soil Biochemistry), Christine also has a wealth of experience working with innovative landholders to implement regenerative land management practices that enhance biodiversity, increase biological activity, sequester carbon, activate soil nutrient cycles, restore water balance, improve productivity and create new topsoil.
In 2001, Christine received a Community Fellowship Award from Land and Water Australia for “mobilising the community to better manage their land, water, and vegetation.” Three years later she launched Amazing Carbon as a means to widely share her vision and inspire change.
In her long career Christine has published more than 50 scientific papers on soil science, and has organised and participated in workshops, field days, seminars and conferences throughout Australia, and around world.
Christine is no stranger to Western Australia, visiting annually since 1983. She presented a ‘Managing the Carbon Cycle’ Forum and launched the Australian Soil Carbon Accreditation Scheme in Katanning in 2007.
EVENT LOGISTICS
When: Thursday July 23rd, 4.30pm to 6.00pm
Where: You can participate in this webinar from the comfort of your own home!
How: Once you book your ticket you’ll receive a confirmation with a link to register for the webinar.
As this is a LIVE online webinar you’ll be able to ask questions during and after the presentation.
This webinar is being hosted by the “Lower Blackwood Catchment” LCDC.
For more information, click here
This webinar has been made possible through the Augusta Margaret River Shire Environmental Management Fund.
7 July 2020
12:30pm – 1:30pm (ACDT)
Did you jump on board the online event train during lockdown? Or wish you did?
Join Jane Thomson, founder and CEO of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society to find out why (good) online wine experiences are here to stay, and learn six simple things you can do to increase participation, engagement and sales – even now that restrictions are easing.
This webinar is free to ALL WCA Members. Non-Members will be charged $50 + GST to access the webinar
Wine Intelligence’s CEO Lulie Halstead will present findings from the latest Wine Intelligence COVID-19 impact reports for Northern Europe.
Lulie Halstead from Wine Intelligence will be joining us to discuss their latest COVID-19 impact reports for Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as give an update on the UK. Founded in 2002, Wine Intelligence is a research and insights agency focusing on wine consumer insights, which operates in over 30 current and emerging wine markets.
Based on data collected in April 2020, Lulie will review how wine consumers’ behaviours and attitudes have changed – or not – as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Lulie will look at how consumers anticipate their lifestyles, behaviour and drinking habits will change and be prioritised after lockdown. The webinar will feature insights on pre, during and predicted post lockdown behaviour including changes in the purchase and consumption of alcohol beverage categories, changes in wine drinking frequency and spend by occasion, and wine purchase channel change. Lulie will also share insights on what wine businesses can proactively do to build for the future.
A recording of this webinar will be made available to Australian wine sector levy payers only. If you would like more details about Wine Intelligence COVID-19 impact reports or COVID-19 related webinars, please contact your local Wine Intelligence representative or visit the Wine Intelligence website.
Plastic Free July: building a better approach to plastic with behavioural science.
29 July 12pm AWST
Join special guest speakers Jenni Downes and Rebecca Prince-Ruiz explore behaviour science insights and how they can help us deliver better environmental outcomes around plastic.
With this month marking the 10th anniversary of Plastic Free July, topics to be discussed include:
An introduction to behavioural insights and its relationship with waste and recycling.
How an understanding of behavioural insights can shape approaches to sustainability policy, communications and education.
The critical behavioural barriers, challenges and opportunities we need to address around plastic.
Please register here. Note: Zoom details will be circulated to your registered email address one hour prior to the webinar start time.
Wine Australia’s Capability Development workshops now cover both wine export and wine tourism training. Heavily subsidised by the $50m Package, the program of 4 x 3 hour consecutive sessions costs $110 incl. GST. Participants may also attend two half-day sessions of either wine tourism or wine export training for $66 incl. GST.
The next introductory workshop program will commence on 20 October 2020. Those who have previously participated can attend the next advanced workshop commencing 10 November 2020. Registration details are available on the Wine Australia website.
Eligible wine businesses can create a listing on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) at no cost to increase their online exposure. To take advantage of this opportunity, wineries can view the online training videos and see the new wine-related features, developed with funding from the Australian Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package.
Tourism Australia, Ultimate Winery Experiences and Wine Australia jointly present domestic marketing insights for wine and tourism businesses. Tourism Australia’s Robin Mack will discuss the renewed focus, strategy and support in the domestic market. Robin will also be sharing valuable consumer insights from their Consumer Demand Project and detail the tourism distribution ‘journey’.
Wine Australia’s ‘Growing Wine Tourism’ and ‘Growing Wine Exports’ programs are joining forces in 2020, offering ‘Hybrid’online workshops that cover both wine tourism and wine export training.
The online workshops to be delivered in 2020–21 will include:
an introductory 4 session online workshop covering wine tourism and wine export training (for businesses that missed – or seek a refresher on – the 2018 and 2019 workshops), OR
an advanced 4 session online workshop covering wine tourism and wine export training (for those seeking more in-depth training to assist their business strategies).
This advanced workshop takes a deeper look at the insights, tools and strategies covered in previous Growing Wine Tourism and Growing Wine Exports workshops. It is designed for those that seek more in-depth information on how to grow their business. The first two sessions of the workshop will cover wine tourism training, and sessions 3 and 4 will cover wine export training. These sessions will cover insights, tools and strategies to help wine businesses grow their exports and attract more international tourists to their wine regions.
The online workshop consists of 4 x 3 hour modules:
Sessions 1 & 2 – Growing Wine Tourism will cover wine tourism training (3hours: 930-1230pm daily ACST)
Sessions 3 & 4 – Growing Wine Exports will cover wine export training (3hours: 930-1230pm daily ACST)
Participants may also choose to only register for one component of the program, either ‘advanced wine tourism’ (two sessions) or ‘advanced wine exports’ (two sessions) training for $66 incl. GST.
Have a question? Email Wine Australia at [email protected] or phone (08) 8228 2000.
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is Australia’s national program for grapegrowers and winemakers to demonstrate and continuously improve their sustainability in the vineyard and winery through the environmental, social and economic aspects of their businesses. This webinar will provide an overview of the program including membership requirements, certification and use of the new Sustainable Winegrowing Australia trust mark.
As part of the International Wine Tourism Grant, Australia’s South West has delivered a Tripadvisor Campaign for Wines of Western Australia. This campaign is aimed at Western Australia’s key international markets, UK, USA, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia and includes a series of regional wine guides to highlight and raise awareness of the 8 key wine regions in Western Australia.
Even though international travel restrictions still exist, this campaign is aimed at building education and awareness of WA’s wine regions and how they play an integral part of connecting tourism regions, in addition it encourages regional distribution for international travellers for when Australia’s International borders open.
Tripadvisor have created a Wines of Western Australia hub which you can view here.
● Custom travel guides have been created highlighting a range of bookable wine tourism experiences within each wine region
● A centralized landing page has been created which link to each wine guide
● Evergreen content will remain on Tripadvisor
● Wine Guides are promoted via banner advertisements, social media, and content
The campaign will run from 3 March to 30 April 2021.
17 November
Imagine it’s possible to heal our south-west agricultural soils.
What would that look like? What ecological processes would we need to activate? What practices would be required? Where would we start and how would we know we were making progress?
This webinar is a sequel to the July Talkin After Hours – Restoring Farmland Soils in Our Mediterranean Environment. In this 90 minute webinar Dr. Christine Jones, will expand on the information from her earlier webinar and get to the nitty gritty about what agricultural soils in our southwest corner of Western Australia need in order to thrive, hold water and support highly nutritious crops and pastures.
Consumer wine consumption behaviour during and post COVID-19 in South Korea, China and Japan
Date: Thursday 2 July, Time: 2.30–3.30pm (AWST)
Wine Intelligence CEO Lulie Halstead is back! This time, Lulie will present findings from the latest Wine Intelligence COVID-19 impact reports for South Korea, China and Japan.
Based on data collected in late March and April 2020, she will review how wine consumers’ behaviours and attitudes have changed, or not, as a result of the impact of COVID-19. In addition, Lulie will review how consumers anticipate their lifestyles, behaviour and drinking habits will change and be prioritised after lockdown. She will share insights on what wine businesses can proactively do to build for the future.
Registration is free: Register here
11 November
Where to next in the UK and EU Markets?
Hosted by Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia’s Regional General Manager EMEA, this webinar will focus on the current market situation in the UK and across the key European markets for Australian wine. This review of the restrictions, opportunities and issues that the trade is facing due to both Covid-19 and the imminent end to the Brexit transition period will enable wineries and exporters to understand the challenges involved and position their businesses for success. Laura will be joined by David Gleave MW, who will discuss concerns from the trade across the various sectors in the UK, and Simon Stannard who will update on the latest negotiations and implications for the wine trade in 2021.
First they cancelled. Then they went digital. And now they’re back! After hearing your cries for something (anything!) to break the winter boredom (especially now COVID restrictions are easing), they’re VERY excited to introduce the Cabin Fever Weekender!
Returning with a selection of your favourite Cabin Fever events, brought to you over three days this July.
Head to the Margaret River region between July 24-26 for all the wintry goodness you’re used to sampling during Cabin Fever; fireside wines, cheese toasties, hearty comfort food and more. Our venues are working within COVID-safe restrictions, so things will be a little more intimate this year. Think seated events, smaller numbers (so get it quick to book!).
Make sure you’re following Cabin Fever on Facebook and Instagram for updates, and we look forward to bringing you the best of winter down south!
TIMING
In the February 21 MRWA Update, MRWA advised members that the Geographical Indications Committee (GIC) extended the time for making submissions in relation to the Interim Determination of the Wilyabrup GI until 13 June 2020
ORIGINAL APPLICATION MRWA submitted a Freedom of Information request, to request a copy of the application that was made to the GIC with respect to the proposed Wilyabrup GI, and any material that indicates the matters considered in deciding whether to make an interim determination, as per the details here.
Wine Australia has now released the requested information and a copy of the original Wilyabrup GI application is available from MRWA upon request. Please email your request to[email protected]
MRWA BOARD DETERMINATION After maintaining a neutral position on the aforementioned application, the MRWA Board made a determination to oppose the Interim Decision. This shift in position is a result of rigorous discussion and a comprehensive review of the process and availability of information. It is also significantly influenced by our unified conviction that the region is not yet in a position to scientifically validate where any uniqueness or uniformity occurs within our GI. Due to the current lack of information on the statistical differences in geology, climate and soil-type within the proposed Wilyabrup area, the MRWA are unable to support the Interim Determination at this point of time.
MRWA is preparing a submission to the GIC opposing the Wilyabrup GI based on section 57 criteria. The submission will provide the independent scientific data accumulated in the Margaret River Region Report around grape growing, geological formation, climate, harvest dates and elevation.
To see a copy of the Margaret River Region Project Interim Report that was presented to members in Februay, click here. Please note, this version of the report extract is the raw DRAFT format and the maps and data may look very different when publish-ready. This copy is intended for your information only and should not be distributed to a wider audience.
SUBMISSIONS TO THE GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS COMMITTEE Members wishing to support the MRWA submission may provide a letter of support to be included in the Appendix. Please email this to [email protected] no later than 5pm Friday 5 June 2020.
Members wishing to make a direct submission to the Geographical Indications Committee should do by email to Rachel Triggs. The deadline for submissions is the 13 June 2020 so it is recommended that you send the day before to ensure it is received on time.
The Discover Margaret River Wine Experiences campaign has commenced with the launch of the Experiences webpage .
Listings are free for MRWA members and consist of:
1 x image (minimum of 1800 x 1800 pixels)
30 word description
URL link
Free to take part and please submit your details here.
eDM to our Western Australian wine lovers
The format will be similar to the SHOP Margaret River Wine from Singapore eDM using your Discover Margaret River Wine Experiences webpage content. View the Singapore eDM here.
Subsidised Cost to participate: $50 / per cellar door and limited to a maximum of 12.
Please email Pip to register your interest.
Monday 22 May & Wednesday 24 May 2023 12pm to 3:30pm AWST
Attendance at both sessions is required to complete the training.
All vineyards, wineries and wine businesses seeking sustainability certification require an independent audit against the Australian Wine Industry Standards of Sustainable Practice – Viticulture (AWISSP-VIT1) and/or Australian Wine Industry Standards of Sustainable Practice – Winery (AWISSP-WIN1).
Training covers all the necessary elements of the program including the processes and plans required to pass an audit. Trainees are provided with a set of customisable templates and resources to support the preparation and maintenance of the program.
Join Wine Australia CEO Andreas Clark who will introduce the newly released Wine Australia Strategic Plan 2020–25. This Plan provides a pathway to support profitable, resilient and sustainable winegrape and wine businesses and addresses key issues including growing value, export, wine tourism, innovation, climate change, sustainability and biosecurity. In addition, Andreas will introduce the Annual Operational Plan outlining Wine Australia’s plans for the next 12 months. Also hear from Stu Barclay – Wine Australia’s GM Marketing, Dr Liz Waters – Wine Australia’s GM Research, Development and Adoption and Rachel Triggs – Wine Australia’s General Counsel and GM – Market Access in this webinar which is not to be missed!
The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) and Wine Communicators Australia (WCA) have considered the current challenges presented by COVID-19 and are pleased to present the upcoming seminar, ‘Australian wine – winning the long game’ as a fully online experience, making the event fully accessible across Australia and internationally.
Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) are proudly working in collaboration with ASVO to present a two day program that will tackle the “big issues: growing, making and selling wine” in the face of climate change.
Ticket Pricing: ASVO & WCA Members $350, Non-Member $450, Students $300
By Bruce Dukes, Margaret River Agronomist and Winemaker.
The South West of Western Australia, which includes Margaret River, has been geologically stable for tens of millions of years. The result is geologically ancient soils which are mainly parented from decomposed granite. The highly weathered soils typically have a loamy sand and gravelly surface which transitions to clay dominant at around 1 metre. The loam contributes to the nutrient and moisture holding capacity of the soil, while the interspersed ironstone gravels and sands assist in soil drainage and aeration. The undulating topography allows for gentle slopes which favour both surface drainage of water and air.
The moderate depth and fertility of the soils allow for a sound balance between water holding and nutrient storage capacity for vine health and performance. An excess of nutrients, including water will encourage too much growth, while a deficiency will restrict performance. It is this moderate middle line or balance which is gives the best results in wine growing. Winter rains can be stored within the soil profile, and then gradually released to the vine as it requires it over the growing season. As we approach Christmas, the vine has generally achieved full shoot length, corresponding to the lower levels of moisture in the soil. Once the shoot growth has ceased, the vine then focuses on its evolutionary purpose of ripening the grapes.
Maritime Climate
Margaret River enjoys a maritime climate, characterised by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Around 80% of the 1,000mm of annual rainfall occurs during the winter months while the vines are predominantly dormant, with 20% during the growing season. The infrequent and low amounts of summer rainfall correspond to low mildew pressures. The plentiful winter rains originate from the west and south west, over thousands upon thousands of kilometres of uninterrupted ocean and airflows, which deliver reliable and pure rainwater.
The Indian Ocean defines Margaret River to the north and west, while the Great Southern Ocean which marks the southern boundary, while the eastern boundary is defined by the “Gladstones Line” of longitude, 118oand 30 mins. This line runs from the town of Busselton in the north to 16 km east of Augusta in the south. These oceanic influences moderate the environment.
The Leeuwin Current
The Leeuwin Current further stabilises and softens the Margaret River areas climate. The sometimes-brisk Leeuwin Current begins in the warm tropical waters off the North West Cape of Western Australia. The current roughly follows the West Australian coastline down in a southerly direction, around Cape Naturaliste, along the west coast of Margaret River. It then curves around Cape Leeuwin and heads across the great Australian Bight towards Tasmania. Fisherman and sailors often seek this current as it can advantage travel speeds.
Northerly winds over summer months slow down the southerly flowing and pulsing Leeuwin current. As the northerly breezes slow over the winter months, the current strengthens, yielding warmth in winter and cooling in summer. The net effect is a softening of the Margaret River climate when compared to continents in similar latitudes which don’t have these specific current influences. The Leeuwin current is typically 2 to 3 km in width and only 20 cm deep and typically 35 km off the coastline around Margaret River. The current is typically a few ° C warmer than the surrounding ocean in Margaret River, explaining why Southern Bluefin tuna, Western Rock lobster, and Australian salmon are prolific in our waters. The Leeuwin current contributes to moderating temperature extremes, and enhancing the winter rainfall and reliability.
Biodiversity
The well drained and moderate fertility soils along with the gentle climate creates a very long and sympathetic growing season for grapevines. This provides a number of different grape varieties fantastic conditions to express their personalities. The gentle climate, along with the moderate soil temperatures in part explains why we have such diversity of microflora and fauna in the region. The moderate soil temperatures and soil moisture profiles, which of course are great for the vines, also allow for good germination of a diverse array of seed types, which corresponds to a large amount of biodiversity. Our local hardwood species, the Jarrah tree is a great reflection of our soils and climate. This tree is very slow growing, has very high-density wood and only grows to moderate heights.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon appear very well adapted to our growing environment. As a global locator, we could describe the Margaret River climate as being intermediate to that of Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
In a farming sense, the Margaret River climate and soils represent a set of natural conditions which have a strong sympathy to grapevine biology. Our terroir is expressed as a purity of fruit, freshness and sympathetic textures.
Australia’s climate is variable, and it is changing. Grapegrowers and winemakers in Australia are already adjusting practices in their vineyards and wineries to keep pace. However, to date, many of these changes have been reactive; driven by the changes that are experienced season-to-season.
The new, world-leading resource Australia’s Wine Future: A Climate Atlas will help improve our climate adaptation response, as it provides a range of detailed insights about how the climate is projected to change within each of Australia’s wine regions until 2100.
Presented by Dr Rebecca Harris and Dr Tom Remenyi of the Climate Futures team at the University of Tasmania, this webinar will explore The Climate Atlas and what it shows for Australian wine regions in the Regional Program clusters.
The Climate Atlas combines a series of climate change models to clearly show projected trends in temperature, rainfall, aridity and in their distribution patterns in regions of Australia where grapes are grown.
It will help to explore the regionally specific climate challenges that we will need to manage and includes an indication of which regions around the country are similar now to through to the predicted conditions in 2100, allowing growers and wineries to look to their peers and viticultural experts around the country on how to adapt for the future.
Click here to watch a special report on Landline about The Climate Atlas or here to download the Climate Atlas.
Chardonnay is a grape of many names, usually shortened versions: chard, chardy, card-onnay… more, perhaps. A most adaptable grape to site, winemaking style/input and vintage: yet it has found its mecca in Margs.
Australia is responsible for a really exciting array of chardonnays. Really exciting. There are some steely and mineral laden examples from Tasmania; fine, spicy and acid driven in Victoria (Yarra Valley, Beechworth etc); rich and complex from the Hunter Valley… in fact, if one was to get stuck into describing the different styles from the different regions, we would be here all day. Suffice to say, where there are grapes there is chardonnay and like your group of friends, they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, moods, personalities and virtues. So, what makes Margaret River such a hotspot for chardonnay?
The Gin Gin clone has a lot to do with it, but not everything. Gin Gin is grown elsewhere and hasn’t elevated other regions to the status of Margaret River: so what is it? The clones + the maritime climate + the location of the vineyards (proximity to the oceans, angle of hills, sunshine, sea breeze and all other things) … all in combination form the unique terroir of Margaret River. Add to that the talented winemakers who have chosen to make Margaret River their home and focus, and you’re essentially up to speed.
“an iron-clad structure, intensity with generosity, and sweet fruit with flowing natural acidity” James Halliday
“I spent all last week tasting 2016 burgundies, but the more whites I tried, the more I lusted after the Western Australian alternatives I came across during a visit there last November.” Jancis Robinson
“All five of my favourites of the 22 wines, scoring 18 or 18.5 out of 20, were from Margaret River. What’s great about them is that they have all the tension and precision (as opposed to fatness or, heaven forfend, oakiness) that is currently in vogue but, unlike many Chardonnays from the rest of Australia or even from cooler parts of California such as the extreme Sonoma Coast, they have enough fruit to counterbalance the acidity and austerity.” Jancis Robinson
The stats:
In the 2020 Wine Companion awards, Margaret River took out twenty one of the top forty two chardonnays in the country – not a bad result for a little region with a comparatively tiny (compared to national) output.
Margaret River was also responsible for five of the twelve Single Varietal awards (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon (and family), Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Sauvignon Blends), winemaker of the year (Vanya Cullen) and Best Value Winery of the Year (Domaine Naturaliste).
The style:
The Margaret River chardonnay style is typified by the presence of ripe yellow peach, pink grapefruit acidity and a savoury salty spice character that underpins it all. If you’ve ever read one of my chardonnay tasting notes you may notice the use of ‘curry leaf’ as a descriptor. I find this in many of the Margaret River chardonnays, although I do not think it is a character endemic to the region. Red apple skins, white stone fruit, brine, crushed nuts/cashews and a fine minerality all feature heavily too. The chardonnays from Margs are distinctive from the chardonnays from elsewhere, primarily due to the shape of the fruit profile, which to my palate, forms a comet-like shape over the palate: rounded and powerful at the front, driven and focused, with a tapering, long, fiery tail into the finish.
International Chardonnay Day is coming up on May 21st, so here are five to get you going:
Pierro Fire Gully Chardonnay 2018
Deep Woods Reserve 2018
Xanadu Stevens Road 2017 (splurge, but worth it)
Vasse Felix Heytesbury 2018 (another splurge, also worth it)
Windows Petit Lot 2017
And one for something a little bit different:
Walsh and Sons Little Poppet (Semillon/Chardonnay blend and bloody delicious, value!)
Part VI – Chardonnay’s the way
While Margaret River is renowned for producing many outstanding wine varieties, Chardonnay – along with Cabernet Sauvignon – has long stood out from the rest.
Said to mainly derive from the Gin Gin heritage clone, a high quality cutting so well suited to the Margaret River climate and topography it has long reigned supreme in the region’s vineyards, Chardonnay grapes have an intense fruit concentration that translates to complex flavours in the glass.
Chardonnay tends to vary drastically on the palate depending on where it is produced; the grapes adapt so well to their surrounding environment that the resulting wines truly encapsulate each sub-region.
Team a grape that reflects its locale with innovative and different winemaking styles, and you’ve got a variety of wine that has and will continue to surprise and impress.
Join the Cabin Fever crew for the Friday Wine Bar, where they’ll be rounding up some of Margaret River’s all-star winemakers and beaming them directly to you – wherever you may be, via Instagram Live.
Each week will focus on a different theme and feature different winemakers. We’ve heard from the king and queen of grapes, and this week we’re focussing on alternative varieties of wine grown in the Margaret River region.
How can you make the most of these sessions, you ask? Grab a bunch of mates (although this could totally be done solo) and a bottle of Margaret River Wine by Dormilona or Blind Corner and play along as you’re guided through a tasting, where you’ll get some insight from our winemakers and are encouraged to ask questions as you go. Compare tasting notes and kick back to learn from the masters!
Lo-fi Wine Week at the Cabin Fever Friday Wine Bar will feature:
Emma Farrelly – Director of Wine for the State Buildings
Ben Gould, Owner/Winemaker at Blind Corner
Josephine Perry, Owner/Winemaker at Dormilona
Head over to the Cabin Fever Facebook Event and hit ‘interested’ for updates on who’ll be guiding your tasting, what wines we suggest you purchase and what you’ll be learning at each session. Make sure you’re following @cabinfever_au on insta!
Thursday May 21st might be International Chardonnay Day, but we think Chardonnay, the queen of the noble grapes, deserves much more than a day. We thought we would start the celebrations early, and we’d love you to join us.
Now is a great time to invest in a few bottles of Chardy to enjoy at home or with friends, while practising social distancing, of course.
Shop
Visit the Margaret River Wine SHOP and get a few bottles of Chardy as some many of wineries are offering some pretty special wines with home-delivery.
Specifically, to celebrate International Chardonnay:
Passel Estate have released a limited edition vertical consisting of three bottles of our elegant 2016 vintage and three bottles of our new release, the 2017 Passel Estate Chardonnay, currently only available in this special six pack.Order now and join Passel Estate’s founders, Wendy and Barry, for a comparative tasting of the two vintages on International Chardonnay Day (details below).
Cape Mentelle have put together a special 3 bottle Chardonnay Day bundle that features two exclusive back vintages (2011 and 2012) and the current release which received 97 pts by James Halliday. The detailed offer is available here. Offer valid until 22 May.
Victory Point International Chardonnay Day Offer: 3 bottle offer – one each from vintage 2015, 2016, 2017 for $100. Contact [email protected] to order.
Calneggia Family Vineyards International Chardonnay Day Offer: 30% off any Chardonnay from the CFV online shop when you use the coupon code intcharday at the checkout. Click here to buy. Offer ends 31 May 2020.
Peccavi Wines International Chardonnay Day Offer: a limited release of the 2008 Peccavi Estate Chardonnay in a special six bottle pack, available to purchase on the website for $350 including GST and free shipping.
Clairault Streicker Wines are hosting a Zoom session exploring the wonderful world of Chardonnay!
@ 4:00pm AWST tune in as Senior Winemaker Bruce Dukes, Viticulturist and Senior Vineyard Manager Chris Gillmore and Distribution & Marketing Manager Dave Cribbin lead an informative and casual chat on Zoom. The wine of the day will be the Clairault Estate Chardonnay 2017. Learn about the winemaking and vineyard behind this award-winning wine, chat all things Margaret River Chardonnay and finish with any questions you may have. Come prepared with a Chardonnay of choice and questions! Bruce, Chris & Dave will be tasting the Clairault Estate Chardonnay 2017. To register your interest, email [email protected]
Thurs 21 May –
La Kooki 2019 Right Side of Racy Chardonnay Release
Cape Mentelle winemaker Ben Cane will be hosting a Virtual Tasting session at 4pm AWST/6pm AEST for you all the way from the beautiful and remote Margaret River. He will take you on a journey starting with a history of the region, the estate and then a vertical Chardonnay tasting followed by a live Q&A.
Visit Passel Estate‘s Facebook page at 5.30pm (AWST) for an in depth tasting and discussion about the queen of the grapes, Chardonnay. Wendy and Barry will be opening a bottle of both the 2016 and 2017 vintages, to compare the merits of each and the differences in the growing and harvest conditions of each year.
Fri 22 May –
Join Voyager Estate at 3.30pm (WA/Singapore/Hong Kong) in Celebrating Chardonnay Virtual Tasting that we’re hosting for Chardonnay Day. Open to all and is free. Hosted by our Sommelier Claire Tonon with Head of Winemaking & Viticulture Steve James as well as Winemaker Travis Lemm there to impart their knowledge and answer questions!
Cabin Fever Friday Wine Bar will celebrating our “International Chardonnay Week” by rounding up some of Margaret River’s all-star winemakers and beaming them directly to you – wherever you may be, at 6pm (WA/Singapore) via Instagram Live (follow @cabinfever_au)
Visit
Dreaming of doing a Margaret River Chardonnay grand tour? This Chardonnay Trail features a mix of some of the region’s most iconic and some outstanding up-and-comers! Is certainly a great place to start your holiday planning.
From Monday May 18, the travel restrictions from Perth-Peel, Great Southern and the Wheatbelt to the South West will be removed. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Margaret River Wine Region, but things will be a little bit different as we all adjust to the social distancing measures. Wine Tastings in WA are still not allowed unless having a meal. To see the most up-to date-list of WHAT’S OPEN, make sure you click here.
Giveaways
For your chance to WIN a mystery 6 pack of Margaret River Chardonnay from Margaret River Wine Association, on International Chardonnay Day (May 21) post a picture of your Chardonnay on Instagram, Tag #margaretriverchardonnay and #InternationalChardonnayDay and FOLLOW @margaret_river_wine
To celebrate International Chardonnay Day our friends at the Good Food & Wine Show are running a competition to WIN 6 bottles of the regions finest award-winning Chardonnays delivered straight to your door! The prize includes 6 bottles of Gold Medal winning Chardonnay from the Margaret River Wine Show cellar including: 1 x @deepwoodsestate Reserve Chardonnay 2017
1 x @devilslairwines Chardonnay 2016
1 x @evansandtate Redbrook Chardonnay 2015
1 x @heydonestate The Willow Chardonnay 2016
1 x @vassefelixwines Heytesbury Chardonnay 2015
1 x @xanaduwines Reserve Chardonnay 2014For your chance to WIN all you have to do is:
1️⃣ LIKE this post
2️⃣ TAG a wine lover you’d share this with
3️⃣ Both FOLLOW @margaret_river_wine & @goodfoodwine
If you have a Direct to Consumer offer you would like to promote to the wine lovers in Singapore on the MRW Singapore page, please send through the details to Pip.
There is no cost to be listed on the MRW Singapore page and we are taking expressions of interest for the next eDM supporting the Singapore SHOP MRW page for as subsidised fee of $50 + GST. A maximum of 12 wineries will be listed in the eDM to be sent to our 660+ Singaporean contacts. Please let Pip know if you would like to take part.
27 & 28 October 2020
The International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC 2020) has been postponed to 27 and 28 October 2020 Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.
Wednesday 25 November 2020 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
The 2020 AWRI Seminar Roadshow will be presented online at Margaret River HEART. The program comprises presentations detailing updates of current research or research outcomes from grape and wine research activities. The seminar has been tailored to meet the interests of the region with presentations on:
• Managing grapevine trunk diseases
• Developing confidence in integrated pest management (IPM) instead of chemical options
• Cover cropping
• Trends in Australian grapegrowing practices
LOCATION
Margaret River HEART
47 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River, WA 6285
Tickets: MRWA Member $15, non-members $30 (includes morning tea)
The seminar will also be available via Zoom for those that can not make it to Margaret River HEART.
Wine Australia Webinar #4 Consumer wine consumption behaviour during and post COVID-19 in Australia, UK and the USA
Time: 4pm – 5pm ACST
Presenter: Lulie Halstead, CEO Wine Intelligence
Join Wine Intelligence CEO Lulie Halstead as she discusses findings from the latest Wine Intelligence Covid-19 impact reports on the Australian, US and UK markets. Based on data collected in late March and April 2020, she will review how wine consumers’ behaviours and attitudes have changed, or not, as a result of the impact of COVID-19. In addition, Lulie will review how consumers anticipate their lifestyles, behaviour and drinking habits will both change and be prioritised post lockdown. She will share insights on what wine businesses can proactively do to build for the future.
Free for the Australian wine sector. Please register here
Wine Australia Webinar #3: Building a high performance team during COVID-19
Presenter: Ali Hill, CEO of Pragmatic Thinking
When change hits as hard and as fast as the current global shift has hit us, we find ourselves responding with adrenalin. Things need to happen quickly, decisions need to be made and we get to work doing them. This spike in adrenalin can be followed by a physical and emotional crash – how do we and our teams cope with this?
Throughout this webinar Ali Hill, CEO of Pragmatic Thinking will provide practical strategies exploring the following:
Navigating the motivation map and how to ride the motivational highs and lows
Understanding the role of grief and trauma in the current experience
Strategies to deal with anxiety and emotional responses both personally and with your team
Practical tools to bring the right energy amongst uncertainty
Identifying possibilities through change
Free for the Australian wine sector. Listen to recording here.
The SHOP Margaret River Wine page on the MRWA website is designed to promote member offers and direct consumers to your online store.
The page is supported by social media campaigns to drive traffic to the website. Traffic increased by 620% in 2020 (45,577 vs. 6,331), with the SHOP Margaret River Wine the most visited page.
To list an offer or update a current offer please complete this form
Social Media Carousel Ad Opportunity
Building on the success of our social media campaign driving visitation to the SHOP Margaret River Wine page, we have a new opportunity to feature your winery through a series of carousel ad campaigns.
Up-to five like-minded wineries will be grouped into one carousel campaign that will run for either three, five or seven days for $300, $450 or $600 respectively. You may work with fellow wineries and present your group collectively to MRWA if there are specific groups you wish to work with, for example, Small Family Group, Tom Cullity Trail Group, Organic Group or a Langton’s Classification Group, etc. Alternatively, we can group you with who we think will be a strong mix for each carousel.
What will you gain from the carousel ad campaigns?
These ads will allow multiple wineries to link to their corresponding landing pages, therefore bypassing the SHOP Margaret River wine page. This will result in far richer results and inevitably drive further visitation to your website. Your brand will be exposed to the MRWA email database along with lookalike audiences based on the characteristics of these subscribers. That is a collective audience of over 180,000 people who have a high affinity with Margaret River wineries.
For further details, see the proposal here.
To sign-up, click here
Part V – Heritage Clones
The success of the Margaret River wine industry, as we are discovering through this series, is thanks to a number of factors, including optimum climate, ancient soils and… heritage clones.Thanks to an absence of the vine pest phylloxera, the majority of Margaret River vines have been grown from cuttings taken from high quality, existing vineyards. These cuttings, also known as clones, are created when a piece of the mother vine is cut off and either planted directly into the soil or grafted onto another vine.
Over time, two heritage clones have had a significant influence on the character of Margaret River’s distinctive Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon styles – the Gin Gin Clone and the Houghton Clone.
Gin Gin Clone
The Gin Gin clone is often acknowledged as being the key to the success of Margaret River’s award-winning Chardonnay. While its origins are shrouded in mystery, it is most recently though that the Gin Gin clone, previously known as FPS 1, was first brought to Western Australia from California by University of California Viticulture Professor Harold Olmo in 1957. It is now the predominant clone of Chardonnay grown in Margaret River today. Named after the West Australian vineyard site where it was first planted, the clone is renowned for producing grape bunches containing a variety of berry sizes, referred to as ‘hen and chicken’. The result – powerful-yet-elegant wines with complex and concentrated citrus and tropical fruit flavours.
Houghton Clone
Many of Margaret River’s greatest Cabernets were born from Houghton clones, which were originally developed by WA’s Department of Agriculture at Houghton Vineyard in the Swan Valley from 1968 to 1970. The department sought to find vines of good health and fruit flavour, which they could then grow in the Margaret River Wine Region. Twenty one high-performing vines were selected and trialled at sites in Gingin and Frankland, before making their way to Margaret River. The Houghton Clone often displays lower vigour vines, lower yields and less herbaceous characters. On the palate, think classic blackcurrant and cassis characters that have become the quintessential markers of a fine drop of Margaret River Cab Sav.
Margaret River Wine eDM Opportunity
We have created an exclusive opportunity for 12 wineries per month to feature your online store through a monthly series eDMs to the MRWA consumer database of 7,000+ Margaret River Wine Lovers.
To preview the format, click here to see the April edition.
Spots will be filled 1st-in-best dressed. If you miss this month, we will schedule you for a future month.
Timing: Monthly
Cost per winery: $50 + GST (50% discount)
To sign-up, please contact Pip by email
To assist the wine industry at this time, Endevour Drinks has re-presented Endeavour Marketplace to us.
Using a ‘drop ship model’ Endevour Marketplace allows you to showcase your entire product range through Dan Murphy’s, allowing customers to browse an ‘endless aisle’.
Consignment model: applied as a percentage on the full retail price (excluding GST) sold to customers.
Payment is 10 business days from end of week less commission percentage and shipping fee.
Freight will be charged at a flat per box rate – $6.50 to metro address, $8.50 to regional address.
Pick up/drop off from suppliers nominated address, may need to be post office.
To see full presentation, click here
To watch the video, click here
To learn more, see website
If you have questions or need a hand with signing up email [email protected], one of the team will pick up your query and come back to you from there.
