The highly respected journalists at The Real Review Wine have just launched a new classification of Australian wine based on a track record of a decade or longer of outstanding results, and Margaret River Chardonnay and Cabernets dominate.

Each wine that made it into the Classification system demonstrated their quality in their blind tastings over the course of at least 10 years, and they have published them into three classification tiers: 3 Merit, 2 Merit and 1 Merit with 3 Merit being the highest classification.

3 Merit wines are iconic wines Australia, wines of true provenance and exemplary track record. Fewer than 0.5% of wines produced achieve this tier. Most of these wines have received gold ribbons for recent vintages. Top vintages will score 98 points or more.

3 Merit Wines (MMM)
Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay
Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay
Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon
Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon
Stella Bella Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon
Cullen Diana Madeline

2 Merit wines are wines that achieve gold and high silver ribbons in recent vintages, with top vintages achieving 96 points or more.

2 Merit Wines (MM)
Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay
Flametree S.R.S. Wallcliffe Chardonnay
McHenry Hohnen Hazel’s Vineyard Chardonnay
Pierro Chardonnay
Stella Bella Serie Luminosa Chardonnay
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay
Xanadu Stevens Road Chardonnay
Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon
Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon
Xanadu Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Vineyards Merlot
Pierro Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Woodlands Margaret

1 Merit wines are wine that reliably achieve gold and silver ribbons in recent vintages, with top vintages achieving 95 points or more.

1 Merit Wines (M)
Devil’s Lair Chardonnay
Flametree Chardonnay
Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay
Hay Shed Hill Block 6 Chardonnay
Howard Park Chardonnay
Lenton Brae Wilyabrup Chardonnay
McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Chardonnay
Moss Wood Chardonnay
Vasse Felix Chardonnay
Voyager Estate Chardonnay
Xanadu Chardonnay
Moss Wood Semillon
Howard Park Sauvignon Blanc
Pierro L.T.C Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay
Cape Mentelle Shiraz
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz
Deep Woods Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Hay Shed Hill Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon
Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon
Stella Bella Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon
Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon
Cape Mentelle Zinfandel
Cullen Mangan East Block
Moss Wood Amy’s

2022 was an impressive year for the Margaret River Wine Region! It shone brightly at the annual Wine Communicator Awards in Sydney with Margaret River Fine Vines Festival crowned Best Wine-Themed Event and Margaret River Wine Guide taking out Best Wine Website or App. Not to mention the countless fabulous wine reviews and recognitions it has accumulated across James Suckling’s Top 100, James Halliday’s Top 100, Ray Jordan’s WA wine review and The Real Review Wine Classifications.

The annual Wine Communicator Awards awards recognise excellence in wine communications and were created to acknowledge outstanding contributions to, and excellence in wine communication in all forms.

Margaret River Wine Association CEO Amanda Whiteland was in Sydney  to accept both awards.

“Both the Margaret River Fine Vines Festival and the Margaret River Region Guide have involved significant regional collaboration, with over 80 wineries participating in both, as well as the support of AHOY Management and Wine Folly,” Ms Whiteland said.

“It is a privilege to work in region which values collaboration so highly.”

“For Margaret River, a region that grows less than 2% of Australia’s wine grapes, recognised in two categories in the Wine Communicator Awards for its contribution to, and excellence in wine communication is fantastic.”

“It is such an honour to accept these awards on behalf of Margaret River Wine Region.”

Margaret River Wine Association saw a huge opportunity to spotlight the region’s world-class wine offering in a festival dedicated to wine and engaged AHOY Management to co-create the Margaret River Fine Vines Festival with the aim of amplifying the region’s rich wine stories and increasing wine drinker’s depth of engagement with the area’s grape growers and winemakers.

Until the conceptualisation of Fine Vines Festival in 2021, there was no consumer wine festival specifically championing the region’s wine, despite the Margaret River Region producing globally recognised and awarded wines.

The festival shines a spotlight on the people, places and passion behind the region offering exclusive experiences, learning opportunities and behind the scenes access not to be found elsewhere.

AHOY Management Joint Director Brianna Delaporte said the team were thrilled that Fine Vines Festival has been acknowledged as one of the stand-out wine experiences across Australia.

Ms Delaporte said, “The festival is a collaboration between more than 80 of the region’s wine producers, so this win is important for the whole region and recognises the collective dedication to the production of top quality wine and customer experiences.”

“The festival has been purposefully curated to ensure it offers up a unique 10-day program that entices visitors to explore all aspects of the Margaret River Wine Region, and not only champions the region’s powerhouse brands but also provides a platform for the smaller producers that collectively add quality and depth to the program.”

The Margaret River Wine Guide was a collaboration with leading global digital wine education platform Wine Folly and is the first comprehensive digital guide of its kind in Asia Pacific. As the eighth Region Guide produced by Wine Folly, Margaret River Wine Guide now sits alongside other global wine destinations such as Napa Valley, Sicily and Bordeaux.

Four weeks from the launch, the guide had reached an audience of 4.3 million globally, making it one of Wine Folly’s most popular guides to date.

The guide’s comprehensive content was created by award-winning author Madeline Puckette, Wine Folly’s Head of Wine Education, Christine Marsiglio MW, Margaret River Wine Association’s comprehensive new 60 page media kit, and data loaded by individual wine producers into a Global Wine Database.

 

Now onto the long list of many amazing accolades…

James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of the World 2022 – From over 32,000 wines tasted by James Suckling and his team, two Margaret River Chardonnay are featured!  The Deep Woods Chardonnay was also the highest-ranked of the six Australian wines in the Top 100.

⭐ #25 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay Margaret River 2021

⭐ #87 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay Margaret River 2021

James remarked the Margaret River region “…is a unique maritime region making fresh and structured reds and bright and flavorful whites.”⁠

 

James Halliday Top 100 Wines, The Weekend Australian – Margaret River featured 11 times and was the #3 highest region after Adelaide Hills with 13 wines, and Champagne with 12 wines.

𝟮𝟬 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 $𝟯𝟬

⭐ Deep Woods Estate Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – 95 points

⭐ Cullen Mangan Vineyard Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – 95 points

⭐ Amelia Park Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – 95 points

⭐ Amelia Park Trellis Margaret River Chardonnay 2021 – 94 points

𝟮𝟬 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 $𝟯𝟬

⭐ Domaine Naturaliste Sauvage Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – 96 points

⭐  Windows Estate Petit Lot La Terre Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – 96 points

𝟮𝟬 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 $𝟰𝟬

⭐ Hay Shed Hill Morrison’s Gift 2020 – 95 points

𝟮𝟬 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 $𝟰𝟬

⭐ Hay Shed Hill Block 2 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – 98 points

⭐ Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 – 97 points

⭐ Thompson Estate The Specialist Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – 97 points

⭐ Cullen Diana Madeline 2020 – 98 point

 

The Real Review Wine Classification of Australia – The team at The Real Review have just launched a new classification of Australian wine based on a track record of a decade or longer of outstanding results, and Margaret River Chardonnay and Cabernets dominate. Congratulations to all those that received merits.

3 Merit Wines (MMM)

 Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay

Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay

Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon

Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon

Stella Bella Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon

Cullen Diana Madeline

2 Merit Wines (MM)

 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay

Flametree S.R.S. Wallcliffe Chardonnay

McHenry Hohnen Hazel’s Vineyard Chardonnay

Pierro Chardonnay

Stella Bella Serie Luminosa Chardonnay

Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay

Xanadu Stevens Road Chardonnay

Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon

Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon

Xanadu Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Vineyards Merlot

Pierro Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Woodlands Margaret

 

Matthew Jukes’ 100 Best Australian Wines Report 2022/23, The Seventeenth Edition

2019 Idée Fixe, Premier Brut Blanc de Blancs, Margaret River

2021 Howard Park, Miamup Chardonnay, Margaret River

2022 Robert Oatley, Signature Series Chardonnay, Margaret River

2021 Leeuwin Estate, Prelude Chardonnay, Margaret River

2019 McHenry Hohnen, Calgardup Brook Vineyard Chardonnay, Margaret River

2020 Vasse Felix, Heytesbury Chardonnay, Margaret River

2018 Robert Oatley, Finisterre Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

2020 Xanadu Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

2018 Moss Wood, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

2020 Cullen, Diana Madeline, Wilyabrup, Margaret River

 

The Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines Of 2022, Wine Enthusiast

⭐ #57 Leeuwin Estate 2018 Art Series Chardonnay, 94 Points

⭐ #98 Howard Park 2018 Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon, 90 Points

 

Reviewers’ Favorites 2022, The Wine Advocate

Erin Larkin discusses her five favorite wines encountered throughout the year (two from Margaret River).

⭐ 2021 Windows Estate Petit Lot Chardonnay  – “A Producer That’s Under the Radar”

⭐ 2020 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay – “A Wine That’s Especially Good Value”

 

Wine Pinnacle Awards 2022 – announced earlier this month at a glamorous gala dinner at Resorts World Singapore, with Margaret River Chardonnay recognised again!  Congratulations to Leeuwin Estate & Cullen Wines.

Best Recent Release: Chardonnay (ex-Burgundy)

⭐ 2018 Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia (Winner)

⭐ 2018 Cullen, Kevin John Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia (Finalist)

 

The Western Australian Good Food Guide Awards

⭐ Wine of the Year – Xanadu Stevens Road Chardonnnay 2020

⭐ New Restaurant of the Year – Frui Momento at Cherubino

⭐ Regional Restaurant of the Year – Chow’s Table

⭐ Regional Chef of the Year – Dan Gedge at Leeuwin Estate

⭐ Excellence Front of House – Caleb Dreaver at Vasse Felix

⭐ Breakthrough Talent – Albee Lee at Wills Domain

 

Ray Jordan’s Annual WA Wine Review, 2023 Edition

 Sparkling of the Year – Howard Park Jete Grand Vintage 2017

Sauvignon Blanc of the Year – Flowstone Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Small Producer of the Year – Flowstone

Semillon of the Year –  Moss Wood Semillon 2022

Blended White of the Year – Pierro LTC 2022

Chardonnay of the Year – Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019

White Wine of the Year – Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019

Merlot of the Year – Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2019

Producer of the Year – Cherubino

Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year – Voyager MJW Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Blended Red of the Year – Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec 2018

The Margaret River Wine Association has launched a comprehensive and compelling, new 60-page Media Kit.

This powerful storytelling tool provides the most up-to-date and in-depth information about the region, validated through science, history and third-party endorsement.

CEO Amanda Whiteland says, “The objective was to create a valuable resource to help Margaret River Wine Association members, stakeholders and media to tell the Margaret River Story consistently and accurately. Never before have we had such a compelling and comprehensive tool at our fingertips.”

This project has been a few years in the making and would not have been possible without the input of the MRWA Technical sub-committee or the incredible knowledge and expertise of the team at DPIRD, as well as funding support from Wines of Western Australia and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as part of the WA Wines to the World Program.

The DPIRD collaboration to produce the “Geology, Soils and Climate of the Margaret River Wine Region” report was essentially the platform on which the media kit was built and provides source information and scientific credibility throughout.  Thanks to this report we had the essential maps, copy and data needed to complete the sections on geology, sustainability, maritime influence, soils and climate in the kit.

This is a living document which will be updated biannually and evolve to become even more sophisticated over time as we uncover new findings on our region.

The content is divided into the four brand pillars and each section, fact sheets and maps can be downloaded separately.

Details covered in the media kit include:

You can download the Margaret River Media Kit at www.margaretriver.wine/media

Movies at Cape Mentelle Thursday 13 January 2022

Gates open at 6.00pm. | Movies start at sunset (around 7.45pm)

MRWA invites Members, family and friends to a special fundraiser screening of Blind Ambition. Andrew Caillard MW is the associate producer of this story about four Zimbabwean sommeliers and their quest to compete in the world blind wine tasting competition in Burgundy.

Watch trailer here.

Buy tickets

 

Earlier this month, 15 expert panellists took part in the second sensory analysis for the Margaret River Region Project (MRRP).

Coordinated by Richard Fennessy at DPIRD and again through consultation with AWRI, the Pivot Profile Method was used to evaluate single site samples of 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay across the region. In order to ensure consistency in the winemaking, samples were collected by Richard directly from wineries post-fermentation which were then finished and bottled in his lab in Bunbury.

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 are pleased to see that The Margaret River Region Project is continuing to progress and advance towards a comprehensive narrative which combines the science and romance of our region.

Many thanks to Richard Fennessy and the team at DPIRD, Eloise Jarvis and the expert panel.

Expert Panelists

Widely considered the biggest ambassador for Margaret River’s National Wine Show success on the planet!!

On the 29th of October 2021 the Margaret River Wine Association presented John Jens with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime commitment to Western Australia wine.

John was joined by his son, Jack Jens, and upon receiving the award to recognise his achievements, he spent his whole acceptance speech talking about everyone else’s achievements. 

“I’m grateful and I’m honoured and I’m also very very aware there are many, many other people who deserve this sort of thing.  But I can tell you I moved to the west in 1977, at the same time Margaret River and the Great Southern were opening up.  You guys have given me a reason for passion, a reason for pride, a reason for purpose and you’ve made my businesses financially.”

As Wine Writer, Nick Ryan summarised, “that says a lot about the man“.

John Jen’s Full Biography

John Henry Jens is a wine zealot, who lives for and has given his life to wine.

Born in Victoria, John attended Xavier College Melbourne, studied Commerce Arts at Santa Clara University California and later attended Roseworthy College, then Australia’s only wine educational institute.

John’s introduction to wine started at home from a young age.  He and each of his 9 siblings, from the age of 12, were not only expected to locate, decant and pour wines – from their father’s very extensive cellar.  They were also expected to taste daily and to be able to explain their views, typically on 15 to 20 year-old red wines.

He had collected 180 bottles of Penfolds Grange by the age of 24, along with 60 dozen other premium reds.

John moved to Perth in 1977 and in 1981, in the early days of Margaret River’s wine production, he started his first wine wholesale operation to represent the state’s most prominent names including Ashbrook Estate, Pierro, Moss Wood and Cullen.

John set up and managed six liquor stores under the John Jens Fine Wine banner, and in 1990 was a 50% founding partner in Devil’s Lair Wines.

John has consulted to a number of Western Australia’s small wineries and “online” specialty wine retailers.

For 40 years he has driven Australia’s largest and most comprehensive formal tasting program. These play host predominantly to WA’s and Margaret River wineries but also to some of the world’s greatest wine names – some of whom, including Chateau d’Yquem – have flown to Perth solely to host Lamont tastings.

Since 2007 John has worked during the day in Wine Importing and Retailing, and at night as a sommelier for his wife in her family’s group of Lamonts restaurants and retail outlets.

John is a regular wine industry speaker, has hosted a weekly 6PR radio wine program for many years, and for 25 years was the wine writer for the Western Suburbs Weekly.

John’s raison d’etre has always been to put the West Australian wine industry into context.  As a former professional statistician, he has more than 250,000 wine tasting notes on file and has constructed wine grids on all of Capital City Trophy winning varietal wines since 2013 – thus only recommending wines that he considered to be the best in every style and price range.

At 73 he still works 70 to 80 hours a week.

John has a steadfast commitment to Margaret River wine and his warmth and charisma that makes him such an engaging spokesperson and ambassador for the region.

2021 WINE TOURISM EXCELLENCE AWARD
Presented by MRBTA

Enter for a chance to be awarded a $2,000 education and training bursary!

The MRBTA Wine Tourism Excellence Award celebrates the importance of Wine Tourism to the Margaret River Wine Region. It also acknowledges that Wine Tourism and sales and exports are intrinsically linked.

The award recognises a person’s outstanding achievement in the Margaret River wine industry.

Cellar Door Managers within the Margaret River GI who have managed a single cellar door for at least 18 months are eligible to enter.

Judging will focus on future vision and achievements over the past financial year (July 2020 – June 2021).

Entrants will be assessed as individual managers rather than the company they are employed by to undertake this role.

Applications close Sunday 10 October. 

Up to three finalists will be selected by the judging panel, made up of a representative of MRBTA, MRWA and a recognised wine tourism specialist.

The award winner will be presented with a trophy at the Langton’s 2021 Margaret River Wine Show Gala Awards Luncheon on Friday 29 October at Swings & Roundabouts and will receive a $2,000 education and training bursary.

To help us find the recipient of this year’s Wine Tourism Excellence Award presented by MRBTA please send their contact details to [email protected].

Or to apply yourself complete the application form and send to [email protected].

Wine Tourism Excellence Award Hall of Fame

2020 – Paris Hokin, Arlewood Estate
2019 – Ulrika Larsson, Clairault | Streicker
2018 – Emily Bromell, Howard Park Wines

2021 VITICULTURAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Presented by Happs Wines

Enter for a chance to be awarded a $2,000 education and training bursary!

Once again it is time to recognise the viticulture behind our great brands! Who couldn’t you have done without? Who would you like to recognise in your team for their hard work by nominating for viticultural excellence? Let’s give our tireless viticultural people some accolades to show how much we appreciate them.

Developed in 2007 to acknowledge that great wines start in the vineyard the Viticultural Excellence Award celebrates the importance of viticulture to the Margaret River Wine Region. The award recognises a person’s outstanding achievement in the Margaret River wine industry.
Applications close Sunday 10 October.

Up to three finalists will be selected from the applicants by the judging panel, made up from industry professionals and previous winners. Each finalist will be required to provide an interview and tour of their vineyard to the judges. A winner will be determined after the site visits and interviews have been completed.

The award winner will be presented with a trophy at the Langton’s 2021 Margaret River Wine Show Gala Awards Luncheon at Swings & Roundabouts and will receive a $2,000 bursary and membership of the MRWA for 12 months.
To enter the award simply complete the application form and sent it to [email protected].

Viticultural Excellence Award Hall of Fame

2020 – David Moulton, Cape Mentelle
2019 – Ianto Ward, Juniper Estate/Higher Plane
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

Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a co-regulatory organisation that supports the ambition of consumers, industry and government to build a sustainable national packaging ecosystem. APCO supports companies of all sizes on this journey by providing the insights, resources and programs to meet their customers and governments expectations.

Over the coming weeks, APCO with the support of government, will be contacting a number of liable businesses about their sustainable packaging obligations under the National Environmental Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure 2011 (UPM NEPM).  The UPM NEPM is in place to ensure businesses reduce the environmental impact of their packaging in Australia.

Businesses can access support by joining APCO and becoming a signatory of the Australian Packaging Covenant. The Covenant is an agreement based on product stewardship principles by governments and industry participants in the packaging supply chain. It means anyone who designs, produces, sells, or uses packaging, must take responsibility for minimising the environmental impact of it throughout its life cycle.

The APCO Membership provides businesses with the tools, resources and support to track and improve their packaging sustainability. It also empowers businesses to meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets and new sustainable packaging legislation being set by state and federal governments.

To help you meet your sustainable packaging obligations, please find a toolkit with information below:

The Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 have been announced and congratulations to the Margaret River Award Winners!

Best in Show
Fermoy Reserve Chardonnay 2019

Platinum
Stella Bella Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019
Stella Bella Luminosa Chardonnay 2019

Gold
Cape Naturaliste The Sextant Appassimento 2018
Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2017
Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Deep Woods Estate Grand Selection Yallingup Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Fermoy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Forester Estate Home Block Shiraz 2019
Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Gralyn Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2018
Gralyn Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

The Decanter World Wine Awards is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. Find out more here.

To recognise the incredible finalists considered for this year’s Halliday Wine Companion Awards, a 2022 Shortlist has been released and we’re thrilled to see so many Margaret River Wineries included.  Congratulations to –
  • Best New Winery Finalist
     LS Merchants
  • Best Value Winery Finalists
    Deep Wood Estate
    Stella Bella Wines
    Xanadu Wines
  • Dark Horse Winery Finalist
    South-by South-West
  • Viticulturalist of the Year Finalist
    Vanya Cullen, Cullen Wines
  • Winemaker of the Year Finalist
    Glenn Goodall, Xanadu Wines
  • Winery of the Year Finalists
    Cullen Wines
    McHenry Hohnen
    Moss Wood
Keep your eye out for the winner announcements on Thursday, August 12.
Find out more about the awards here.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) compliance audits will be commencing next month in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australian vineyards. In WA, businesses are covered by either federal and state legislation depending on the structure of your business. Note that the audits will only be conducted in businesses that are operating under the federal legislation. You can review a fact sheet here to help you determine your status but we recommend you take further advice if unclear.

The FWO has indicated its Inspectors will commence vineyard visits around the time that pruning is underway, and further inspections will be undertaken during the vintage 2022 grape harvest. See fact sheet here on your recordkeeping obligations under federal legislation.

Australian Grape & Wine understands they will be focussing on:

Producers who require further assistance can contact the following:

Wines of WA is liaising with CCIWA and SA Wine Industry Association to ensure WA producers have access to required information ahead of the audits.

Read the full details, including the impacts on Australian grape and wine producers here.

Exceptional wine, extraordinary experiences –
A wine lover’s paradise at Fine Vines Festival this spring.

Wine lovers rejoice! Tickets are now on sale for Fine Vines Festival, the Margaret River region’s newest festival celebrating all things wine, with a first-release program of over 30 events taking place this spring between October 15th – 24th. The program shines a spotlight on the people, places and passion behind the region’s much-loved and highly regarded wine and offers exclusive experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Festival goers can expect to meet the winemakers and grape growers, see first-hand where and how different wines are made, taste the difference between vintages, terroir, oak, aging methods, and blends; discover new varietals or a new appreciation for old ones; stock their cellars with new release, museum and large format wines; and of course enjoy it all in the stunning locations of the Margaret River Wine Region that spans from Busselton to Augusta.

Tickets to Fine Vines Festival events are now on sale via the festival website www.finevinesfestival.com.au.

Organisers suggest following Fine Vines Festival on social media via Facebook and Instagram for updates and to see what events are taking place. You can also visit the website www.finevinesfestival.com.au.

The Fine Vines Festival is supported by Margaret River Wine Association, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

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Following a consultation process which commenced in 2017 (P1044 – Plain English Allergen Labelling), Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) have put forward a proposal which was adopted by the Australian Government to amend allergen labelling requirements in the Australia and New Zealand Food Standard Code (FSC). The focus of these amendments was to ensure the provision of allergenic labelling which is clearly understood by consumers.

On 25 February 2021, the FSC was amended to introduce new requirements for the labelling of allergens in food. These amendments include impactions for wine under (S9-3) Mandatory Declarations of the FSC.

Key changes include mandatory requirements for allergen labelling to use terms understood by a consumer. These include for example using terms such as “milk (instead of Casein), egg or sulphites (instead of Preservative 220).

Businesses have 3 years from 25 February 2021 to implement the new requirements under the FSC. We encourage the wine sector to review the amendments made under P1044 to ensure compliance with the FSC is maintained.

Recent changes to Wine Australia’s Wine Export Grant program mean that it’s easier for small- and medium-sized Australian wine producers to apply for up to 50 per cent reimbursement of specific export promotion expenses, in any international market.

Key changes include:

View the eligibility criteria or register for the Wine Export Grants program here.

All wineries should have received an invitation from Wine Australia to complete the National Vintage survey.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in Wine Australia’s largest annual survey and help present a diverse and accurate range of vintage experiences from around Australia.

This supply and demand information is used by wine businesses to plan for the coming year, and by national, state and regional associations to lobby governments on your behalf, to plan strategies for promoting and protecting regions, and to allocate resources where they are most needed.

No matter the size of your crush, your contribution is very important to ensure the accuracy of the reported information at a regional level. 

Be assured that your data is kept strictly confidential by Wine Australia and only aggregate, anonymous data is presented in the report.

If you crushed any grapes in 2021, and you have not received a survey from Wine Australia, please contact Sandy Hathaway at [email protected].

Participants will receive a copy of the report emailed directly to them prior to its public release. Last year’s report is available here.

About the Program:

The Start-Up Network will feature interactive online webinars and networking events, focused on the adoption of agrifood innovations and connecting key players across the agrifood supply chain.

Participant Entitlements: 

Up to 10 successful participants will receive mentorship from industry experts, attend face-to-face workshops, a showcase pitch event and networking dinner in the heart of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga, NSW, the home of AgriFutures Australia and includes:

Successful applicants must demonstrate all of the following to be eligible: 

Applications are now open and close 5.00pm (AEST) Monday, 17 May. More information here.

The City is reviewing its Bushfire Notice and is seeking feedback from the community on potential changes before making any final decisions. It is envisaged that should any changes be made to the notice, they would be in place prior to the 2021/22 summer season.

Key factors that have led to the review include:

In general, the potential changes would increase the requirements placed on landowners to manage bushfire risk on their properties, including through increased requirements to remove or trim/cut vegetation near houses and access ways.

You can read more about the proposed controls in each category via the document library on Your Say Busselton

Please click here to complete the survey.

Submissions close 31 May 2021

Friday 7 May 2021
Vasse Felix

Vasse Felix are thrilled to announce Friday 7 May as the date for this year’s Margaret River Region Cabernet Tasting! This year we’ll be looking at Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2020 vintage.

All producers of Cabernet Sauvignon are invited to submit vineyard samples and participate in the blind tasting, which at the 2019 tasting included examples of Cabernet from more than 85 sites across the Margaret River GI Region.

How to get involved?

If you have one or more unblended, representative vineyard samples from within the Margaret River GI Region (2020 vintage) you are encouraged to get involved. You are welcome to submit as many samples as you wish, with each sample to be supplied in 4 x 750ml bottles. All samples we receive will be available to taste.

Please note, this will be a blind tasting, with technical and geographical data displayed for each sample. The Vasse Felix team will coordinate the samples, host the event and provide some drinks and light snacks upon completion. All participants are invited to bring a colleague to the tasting.

Online Registrations & Information

To register your participation please complete the online registration form – click here.

For more information please contact Chloe Jones on 08 9756 5035 or email [email protected]

WINE TOURISM BIOSECURITY BACKGROUND

Vineyards near cellar doors are exposed to biosecurity risks through heightened tourist visitation and movement.

Research shows that 44% of female visitors and 28% of male visitors to wine regions expect to be able to take photos amongst the vines as part of their wine tourism experience.

Anecdotally, Chinese visitors are more likely to walk into vineyards than tourists from other countries.

Phylloxera is being detected in more vineyards in Victoria. And Australia has experienced a doubling in the number of exotic plant pest incursions in the past seven years.

There are more pathways than ever before for exotic pests to enter vineyards. Tourist movement is one of those pathways.

The Cellar Door signage has been designed for consumer-facing purposes such as cellar doors and cycling/walking tracks. The signs include English and Mandarin messages that aim to build a partnership with visitors around vine health and protection.

Suggested Sign Locations

Many cellar doors were designed without biosecurity front of mind. For example, designated cellar door car or bus parking is often situated at the ends of vine rows with no barriers in between.

Ideally, your Wine Tourism Biosecurity Signs will be placed between your car parking area and your vines, to prevent entry into your vine rows (see mock-up below). You may need several signs located at positions where visitors usually wander into your vines.

Sign placement will depend on the position of your car park and relative proximity to vines adjacent to your cellar door.

Material: Gloss UV laminate on 3mm Aluminium Composite
Size: 813mm x 1120mm portrait
Price: $115 + gst
Add your logo for $50 +gst

Collection: MRWA Office, Margaret River Visitor Centre, 100 Bussell Highway, Margaret River

To order please complete this form and email to [email protected]

Please note a minimum number of orders are required before production can commence. We will let you know when we have sufficient numbers to proceed.

The farm-gate biosecurity signs have been designed to encourage all personnel entering non-consumer facing vineyard entrances to contact the manager before entering. Pests, diseases and weeds harmful to grapevines can be picked up and spread via tyres, equipment, machinery, shoes and clothing. The Mandarin text reads: ‘Without permission, you may not enter’.

Material: Gloss UV laminate
Size: 600mm x 450mm landscape
Price: $40.00 + gst
Collection: MRWA Office, Margaret River Visitor Centre, 100 Bussell Highway, Margaret River

To order please complete this form and email to [email protected]

The South West of WA has been chosen as one of only six regions to take part in a $23.5 million Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot, encouraging farmers to carry out mixed-species tree planting projects for both climate and ecosystem benefits.

The Pilot is for biodiverse plantings between 5 and 200 hectares and is being developed by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and the Australian National University.

In recognition of consumer demand for sustainable product, the Pilot will also include an associated certification scheme. The project compliments much work already being done in Natural Capital Accounting, that seeks to quantify the productivity benefits to landholders from increased biodiversity on farm.

Read the project FAQ’s

Interested? The South West Catchments Council (SWCC) are calling for expressions of interest from farmers with between 5 and 200 hectares available for planting.

Contact SWCC on 08 9724 2400 or email [email protected].

Find out if you need to pay fringe benefits tax (FBT).

Providing a work car to your employees can be a great incentive.

If you provide a car to an employee for their private use, you may need to pay fringe benefits tax (FBT).

You make a car available for private use by an employee on any day that the car is either:

A car is considered available for your employee’s private use when it is:

For FBT purposes, a ‘car’ includes:

If you’re not sure if you’re providing a car fringe benefit, our virtual introductory sessions can help. You can register by selecting a date and time that suits you.

Next steps:

Find out about:

31/3/2021

DBCA today confirms that:

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.

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.

View indicative maps here. 

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.

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

People can enter Perth, Peel or the South West, and travel between these regions for these 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.

See full export reports here

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.

Please register your details with Pip, [email protected]

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

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:

  1. Encouraging homeowners and occupiers to rent spare rooms to seasonal workers via a local marketing campaign.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

For more information visit corporate.margaretriver.com/housing

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:

Find Zoom recording here, the link also includes the PowerPoint Presentation and the Harvest Trail Services brochure.

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)

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

Tel (08) 6166 9124 | Mob 0419 347 180
Email [email protected]
Further details at www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvest

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!

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).

The APC Collection Outcomes show that Margaret River GI Crush Totals were:

2017       42,106 tonnes (164 producers)
2018       37,213 tonnes (182 producers)
2019       31,893 tonnes (177 producers)

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.

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.

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

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 a similar example by another region.

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

Postponed to late November or early December.

Stay tuned for for the announcement of the new date.

womeninwineawards.com.au

What’s been proposed, why it’s bad, and what you need to do

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has proposed Federal, State and Territory Governments adopt a mandatory pregnancy warning label that will impose significant costs on your business for little to no public health benefit. Many in the sector see this proposal as the first step towards a future defined by anti-alcohol labelling.

The sector needs every grape and wine business to let federal, state and territory politicians know why this matters, and why the Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation needs to make a decision that balances public health objectives with the commercial realities of grape and wine businesses.

ATTACHMENT A (click to download) provides a summary of what FSANZ is proposing to ministers, Australian Grape & Wine’s assessment of the proposal, and what a better alternative might look like.

ATTACHMENT B (click to download Word document) provides a template for you if you are able to write to your local parliamentarians and federal, state and territory ministers.

This issue will be considered by the Ministerial Forum before the end of March. The Ministerial Forum has two options:

  1. It can accept the FSANZ recommendations; or
  2. It can reject them and request a review.

State and Federal Ministers have already decided to mandate a pregnancy warning label, so we must recognise that will not change. However, if we can get enough small winemakers and grape growers to raise their concerns with their State and Federal Minsters and Parliamentarians, the power of many voices will provide a greater chance of convincing members of the Forum to call for a review of the FSANZ recommendations. In turn, this could lead to removing the most egregious elements.

This is our last chance to make our voices heard, so please do not hesitate to contact your local parliamentarians. Decisions are being made within governments right now, so time is of the essence.

It is critical that we reach local members of parliament (at Federal, State/Territory level).  So please make them your first port of call. 

It would also be helpful to contact Ministers for Health, Agriculture, Tourism and the Premier in your State.  State Ministers will be critical in determining the outcome of the Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation’s consideration of this issue.

Australia (Federal Government)

Western Australia

Please feel free to call Lee McLean, General Manager, Government Relations and External Affairs on 0418 998 749 or email [email protected] if you would like any further information.

Thanks to Wine Australia, DPIRD and Gaia for this map of Vineyards by LGA.

If you have ever wondered how much of the Margaret River GI vineyards (5,840ha) are in the City of Busselton, or the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, the latest figures are:

Augusta-MR       2,871 ha                (49%)

Busselton            2,969 ha                (51%)

Download map

Congratulations to Adam Zhu, winner of the Emerging Australian Wine Advocator Awards presented by Margaret River Wine Association at the seventh Wine Australia China Awards honoured at a gala dinner in Shanghai on 11 November.

MPL Advocacy to State and Federal Ministers 

To All WA Wine Producers:

You will be aware that Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is currently considering how to implement a mandatory pregnancy warning label (MPL) for all alcoholic beverages. Wines of WA submitted comment to the discussion paper – see here. While the submission period has now closed, it is important that regions and producers express their concerns with the direction proposed by FSANZ by writing directly to federal and state Ministers and to your respective state and federal member.

A letter template to utilise can be found here – however, feel free to express your concerns in your own words, preferably outlining how the proposed changes would affect your businesses. It is however, important to stress the industry’s commitment to reducing the incidence of all alcohol related harm through targeted messaging that is relevant to the consumer.

Email addresses for relevant state and federal ministers are below.

Federal:

Western Australia:

If you have any queries contact:
Larry Jorgensen
Chief Executive Officer
Wines of WA E:[email protected] T: 0448 884 161

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S TROPHY WINNERS!

Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Show
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Seguin Moreau Trophy for Red Wine of Show
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Labelmakers Group Trophy for White Wine of Show
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2017

Vinline Mobile Bottling Trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor
Xanadu Wines

Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Provenance White
Brookland Valley Estate Chardonnay 2008, 2013, 2018

Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Provenance Red
Houghton Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, 2013, 2018

Singapore Airlines International Judge’s Trophy
Driftwood Estate Single Site Chardonnay 2018

SWAT Winery Equipment Specialists Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Multi-Color Trophy for Best Chardonnay
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2017

Tonnellerie de Mercurey Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Red
Brash Vineyard Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Portavin Trophy for Best Single Vineyard White
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2017

Cospak / Saverglass Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Deep Woods Estate Single Vineyard Cabernets 2018

VA Filtration / Memstar Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc
Millbrook Regional Sauvignon Blanc 2019

BFL Trophy for Best Blend of Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon
Clairault Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019

Saint Martin Trophy for Best Oaked White other than Chardonnay
Higher Plane Fume Blanc 2019

CHEP Trophy for Best Shiraz/Syrah
Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Margaret River Syrah 2018

Chr. Hansen Trophy for Best Rosé
Abbey Vale Premium Rosé 2019

Laffort Trophy for Best Other Blend or Varietal
Marq Malbec 2018

Happs Wines Viticultural Excellence Award
Ianto Ward, Juniper Estate

MRBTA Wine Tourism Excellence Award
Ulrika Larsson

MRWA Lifetime Achievement Award
John Evans & John Tate

2019 Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show Results Book

Notice of 2019 AGM

Notice is hereby given than an Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) will be held on:

Date:     Wednesday 16th October 2019
Time:     3.45pm for 4pm start
Place:    Cape Lodge Restaurant
3341 Caves Road, Yallingup

Click here for the 2019 AGM Agenda.

Please RSVP to register attendance to the AGM by 10th October 2019 for catering and set-up purposes.

Call for Board Nominations

(a) Four (4) positions will be vacant at the 2019 AGM and we hereby invite nominations from Voting Members interested in joining the MRWA Board.

Three (3) vacancies will be created due to the expiry of the term of current serving members Liz Mencel (Flametree Wines), Steve James (Voyager Estate) and Leah Clearwater (Happs Wines), will be offering themselves for re-election.

One (1) vacancy will be created by the resignation of Cameron Murphy (Cape Mentelle).

Two (2) positions are for a two-year term and two (2) positions are for a one-year term.

(b) Nominations must be made using the Nomination Form and must be received by 5pm, Tuesday 1 October 2019.

If the number of nominations received is greater than the number of vacancies, a ballot will be conducted with the result declared at the AGM.  The Election will be a simple majority.  That is, the candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be duly elected as Board Members at the MRWA AGM for a period of 2-years and 1-year respectively.

For a copy of the MRWA Board Member Position Description or more information, please contact the MRWA CEO here.

We look forward to receiving nominations and working with the successful candidates.

The ACCC released the Wine Grape Market Study Final Report and media release earlier this week. The report raises a number of issues, and poses ten recommendations for the industry and Government to consider.

Australian Grape & Wine have since issued this media release in response to the report.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions (DBCA) South West Region advises Members of their proposed Prescribed Burn Program for 2019/2020.

Prescribed burning is undertaken for a range of purposes including management of fuels for protection of life, property and community values, protection and enhancement of biodiversity values, and also regeneration of forests following timber harvesting operations.

Vineyards and processing facilities are considered when planning for prescribed burns, including development of burn ignition strategies aiming to minimize the potential for smoke to transport and settle on vineyards for sustained periods, particularly during the period between veraison and harvesting.

Blackwood District Indicative Prescribed Burn Program 2019/20
Blackwood District Indicative Three Year Burn Program Plan

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has recently approved a new maximum residue limit (MRL) for difenoconazole in grapes and a new label withholding period. The ‘Dog book’ recommendation for difenoconazole (Digger) use on grapes destined for export wine is ‘Use no later than E-L 29, berries pepper-corn size (not > 4 mm diameter)’. The label withholding period is 28 days. It is recommended that you check your winery or grape purchaser’s restriction on use for difenoconazole prior to application. Read more….

Days of Lupins, Pastures & Wine

“The Story of my Background, Life and Odyssey in Science”
A personal memoir by leading Western Australian scientist, Dr John Gladstones is now available to purchase.
Read more and order….

Wine Australia announced the wine export figures for the 12 months to June 2019 today.  See here.

The total value of Margaret River wine exports has continued to grow in the 12 months to June 2019, increasing by 3 percent to $32.03 million.  China continued to drive volume and value growth, increasing 9% and 24% respectively.

Exports to Singapore also continue to grow with volume increasing 11% and value increasing 15%, putting Singapore ahead of the UK for the first time, as the #3 market for Margaret River exports by value.

For full report, click here

Please join us in congratulating our Board Chair Greg Wall, who was recognised for outstanding contribution to Australian public life and awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award for significant service to business and the community earlier this week.

CEO Amanda Whiteland said, “It is exciting chapter for MRWA to have someone with Greg’s extensive achievements both in Australian and Internationally Chairing the MRWA Board.   I am looking forward to working with closely with Greg on our strategic planning to realise our vision that Margaret River is recognised amongst the world’s most compelling fine wine experiences”.

Greg is a Director and founding Chairman of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM).  Melina Morrison, CEO of BCCM, said, “This is the first time such an award has been given to someone in the sector which underpinned the emergence of modern Australia. As a leader and advocate, Greg has ensured that the co-operative and mutual sector has received greater attention, not only in Australia but also internationally.  Greg’s tireless work has helped to build a strong co-op sector in Australia and a national representative body that is working to help Australians utilise this powerful and intrinsically aspirational model of enterprise for community empowerment.

Some of Greg’s extensive achievements include:

Establishing the first national forum for the Chairs of Australia’s top co-operative firms
Advocating for the highest governance standards in business
Chairing the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives Secretariat 2012
Presenting at the United Nations in New York for the launch of the International Year of Co-operatives
Founding Australia’s national peak body for the sector, the BCCM
Greg is also recognised internationally for:

•    The first Australian to be elected to the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), the peak global body representing co-operatives and mutuals worldwide.

•    Greg played a vital role in successfully advocating for a co-operative business leader, Dr. Andrew Crane, on the B20 Group appointed by the Prime Minister to advise the G20 Ministers when it was hosted by Australia in November 2014

•    Greg also represented Australia during a trade mission to China in 2015 and signed a Memorandum of Understanding for ‘Coop to Coop’ trade within the Asia Pacific region.

•    Greg has presented at numerous conferences, seminars and forums both in Australia and internationally which have raised the profile of the co-operative movement at large.

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) is the national peak body representing Australian member owned businesses. The BCCM is led by the chief executives of Australia’s co-operative and mutual businesses in all sectors including agriculture, financial services, health insurance, retail, motoring services and human services. The BCCM works to promote the role of member-owned enterprises in the national economy. With over 2000 co-operative and mutual businesses operating nationally representing a total of 29 million memberships, the BCCM highlights the contribution co-operatives and mutuals make to economic and social development in Australia. www.bccm.coop

Calling all businesses that make wine to complete this survey.
Survey Information
Survey Template
Participants receive a copy of the full National Vintage report that includes grape intake summary tables for all GI regions. This is an invaluable resource and planning tool which will give you up-to-date and reliable information to help with decisions about growing or purchasing grapes and will provide insights into wine demand by variety and region.

Completed surveys to be sent by 24 May to [email protected].

The Margaret River Wine Association Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Wall as Chair, commencing June 2019. Greg has extensive Board and CEO level leadership experience.

Greg is the Group CEO of Capricorn Society Limited from 2011 to June 2019. Capricorn is Australia’s leading motor vehicle repair industry cooperative with more than 20,000 members.

He has extensive experience in Financial Services through roles as Managing Director of Home Building Society, CEO StateWest Credit Society Ltd and State Manager at Challenge Bank.

Greg says, “I have a strong affinity with the Margaret River wine region, having held a minor shareholding in a local vineyard for 22 years and I spend a lot of my leisure time at a property I own in the region.”

Greg brings extensive commercial, leadership, business strategy and board governance experience, particularly in the Mutual and Cooperative sector to the Margaret River Wine Association.

He has held a variety of significant and relevant directorship, non-executive directorship and leadership roles across many industries.

Notable experience includes Non-Executive Director positions at Automotive Holdings Group, Gold Estates, WA Football Commission, Fremantle Football Club, Edith Cowan University and five years as Director of CUSCAL (the Australian Credit Union peak body). He was also Chairman of Freo Cranes and Machinery.

Greg played a major part in the international celebrations of cooperatives as Chairman of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives Secretariat. Following on from this success, Greg was instrumental in the formation of the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals in Australia and was a director of that institution from 2011 to 2019. Greg is also a director of the International Cooperative Alliance (the global peak body for the co-operative movement) and Domains.coop Ltd. Greg also holds the position of Chairperson for the ICA’s Audit and Risk Committee.

Greg holds a Master of Arts Future Studies, is a Fellow of Australian Institute of Company Directors and FINSIA and also attended the CEO Institute at Berkeley and Cornell Universities in the USA.

Australian Grape & Wine are continuing to engender and promote Diversity and Equality in the wine industry.

AGW are now calling on State and Regional Associations as well as individual businesses to support this work by also becoming signatories to the Charter.

MRWA has already signed up to the charter which is a high-level set of principles, with the underlying message of respect.

Becoming a signatory to the Charter is easy – all the information is on the Australian Grape & Wine website.

This is an important initiative by AGW to promulgate a very powerful and positive message of diversity and equality in the Australian wine sector.

Summaries of High Value Travellers (HVTs) for the key international markets of China, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK and the USA were recently published on the Tourism WA website.

HVTs are a new focus of Tourism WA’s marketing strategy, consistent with Tourism Australia, as we seek to increase international visitor numbers and spend. These summaries have been created by the Research team as a resource for industry to assist in understanding who High Value Travellers are, what appeals to them, and some of their planning, booking, and travel behaviour.

Find the HVT summaries on the Tourism WA website.

View Malaysia / Singapore Market Manager Update https://youtu.be/J9CcamrmDZw

One page summaries https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/marketing/Trade/Documents/TWA_HVT_SNGP.pdf

The Margaret River Wine Association is thrilled to announce Joe Czerwinski Managing Editor, Robert Parker Wine Advocate as this year’s International Judge at the Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show and Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge.

“I’m looking forward to my fourth visit to Margaret River. I know from past experience that the Cabernets and Chardonnays are world class, but one of the great things about judging regional shows is that you often get to see the full gamut of what’s being produced there.” said Joe.

Joe will be joining a team of exceptional judges from around Australia led by David Brookes in his first year as Chair of Judges.

David Brookes said “Margaret River is in fine form at the moment with a wonderful run of quality vintages and uniformly excellent wines across the region. It is a great honour to step in as chair of the Margaret River Wine Show after the fantastic show results of departing chair, Corrina Wright and the wonderful job she has done for the past three years. I’m also very much looking forward to working with the cracking team of judges who have been assembled for the 2019 Margaret River Wine Show including the renown palate of our visiting international judge, Joe Czerwinski from the U.S.A.”

The Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show and Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge will take place from 28th to 31st October 2019.

Entries to the Langton’s 2019 Margaret River Wine Show and the Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge will be open in August.