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Introduction

As the President of the New South Wales Wine Industry Association (NSWWIA) and the owner of my own winery in Orange NSW, I am delighted to be able to introduce this NSW Wine Policies Document at an exciting time for the NSW wine industry.

We find ourselves with increasing opportunities in sales, export and tourism and equally importantly, we are enjoying a strong relationship with the current NSW Government. The government is increasingly acknowledging our industries importance to the state’s economy and particularly in supporting communities across regional NSW. This was highlighted by the signing of an essential MoU at the end of 2017. The NSWWIA serves the interests of 506 wineries, from 16 diverse wine regions, and the wine grape growers that manage over 30,000 Hectares of vines in regional NSW. NSW is unarguably the birthplace of Australian commercial wine (notably the Hunter Valley) and provides our great State with an unrivalled history in this captivating industry. The NSWWIA is a very strong body with the support of the industry, many of whom are directly or indirectly members of the Association. Whilst we play a major role in assisting the wineries of NSW, we appreciate we can’t lift the wines of NSW into the future on our own. We believe that our relationship with the NSW Government needs to be even stronger and work more closely together to bring NSW Wine to the forefront of the Australian wine industry. We do not simply seek a handout from government. However, we see the opportunity to jointly fund and work together to build a strong and sustainable grape and wine industry for our state. This document presents a road map of how the NSW State Government in particular can partner with our members on this journey. It outlines the key issues facing our members and summarises the policy priorities that NSW Wine considers vital to a thriving, productive wine sector.

Tom Ward

President

NSW Wine Industry Association

This document is general in nature. It is made available for the purposes of providing information on NSW Wine’s recommendations for policy creation on the understanding that the NSW Wine Industry Association is not thereby engaged in rendering professional advice. Before relying on the material in any important matter, users should carefully evaluate its accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance for their purposes, and should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. In some cases the material may summarise views or recommendations of third parties. Such material is assembled in good faith, but does not necessarily reflect the considered views of each Wine Company or Grape Grower. Prepared by NSW Wine | January 2019

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Economic impact of the NSW Wine Industry

NSW has a large and diverse wine industry, with 16 wine

regions. NSW is the birthplace of the Australian Wine

Industry and in 2028 we will celebrate 200 years of

commercial wine production in Australia.

Major Statistics:

- 506 Wineries

- 378 Cellar Doors

- 34,000 Hectares under vine

- 500,000 tonnes of grapes produced

- 21k direct jobs and 53k indirect jobs

- Total value $1.6B (incl. beyond the farm gate)

- Exports valued at > $500m

- > $2B spent on Food & Wine Tourism in NSW

- > 105M Domestic visitor nights in NSW

- > 95M International visitor nights in NSW

NSW Wine Strategy

The role of the NSWWIA is to:

- Advocate for our industry and members

- Provide information and support to our industry

and members in areas such as:

o Compliance & regulation

o Exports

o Research, Development and Extension

o Tourism

- Develop a culturally vibrant and profitable industry

“NSW Wine will advocate for the NSW Wine Industry and provide information and a sense of

belonging to our members.”

Federal Context

The wine industry in Australia is cautiously experiencing a period of growth. We are seeing growth in

exports (10% Value MAT to $2.82B) and prices paid for grapes increased (8% growth to an average of

$609 per tonne). International tourism numbers into Australia have increased and there is also an

increase of Domestic tourism into regional Australia.

Recent years have seen changes that impact the wine industry. In 2017, the Wine Equalisation Tax

(WET) reforms passed through parliament. Whilst this addressed many concerns in the wine industry,

it also served to reduce the rebates paid to industry. As a partial offset, the federal government

introduced a $50m Export and Regional Wine Support Program (ERWSP) with the aim of growing

exports of Australian wine and also increasing International tourism into wine regions.

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There has been an increasing level of government regulation on the wine industry and discussion in

areas such as:

- Alcohol and Health

- Wine Labelling

- Container Deposit Schemes

- Advertising Regulations

- Minimum Unit Pricing

NSW Wine understands that all other state governments in wine producing states have publicly

acknowledged the economic and cultural contributions of their industries to their states and have

entered into strong and coordinated support programs in order to maximise the opportunity for the

industry in their state.

2019 will see both a federal election and a NSW state election. It is possible that there may be a

change of governments.

Executive Summary

This submission is intended to inform political parties and stakeholders on the priorities of the NSW

wine industry.

As detailed above, the NSW wine industry is a large contributor to the state’s economy, generating an

estimated $1.6 billion in direct benefit to the state and supporting 21,000 direct and 53,000 indirect

jobs – most of which are located in regional areas.

Our aim is to have a sustainable and profitable grape and wine industry, to be self-sustainable and

united leading the Australian wine & grape industry.

Our industry will provide many benefits where they are needed and a worthwhile return on

investment.

Overview of Program

To add value to the federal government’s national investment and position the NSW wine industry for

success, an ongoing, robust relationship between the government and the wine industry will be

required.

We have identified key areas where we can partner with the NSW Government to increase NSW’s

share of the domestic and international wine market, whilst ensuring the profitability and sustainability

of the industry over the long term. These are detailed in the rest of this document as follows:

- Trade & Export

- Tourism

- Cellar Door Grant Program

- Research, Development & Innovation – including biosecurity

- Local Supplier Policy

- Wine Levy

- Government Regulations

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Key Challenges

NSW has a diverse wine and grape industry capturing nearly a third of Australia’s total grape and wine

production. To quote the recently formed Australian Grape and Wine organisation “The future

profitability of the Australian wine sector depends on exports. Sixty-three per cent of wine

produced in Australia was exported in 2018, supporting jobs and growth opportunities across

rural and regional Australia. While the Australian domestic market remains critical, growth is

slow, and the international market-place presents greater opportunities for both winemakers

and wine grape growers.”

NSW has large exports, with the Wine Australia December 2018 MAT exports of wines from NSW

valued at $533m and growing at 7%. If you then look at those wines with a NSW based geographic

indicator on the label, the total is $27m and relatively flat. There is the opportunity to both grow the

Australian Wine category from an export perspective, but also increase the sales of NSW labelled

wines, which may ultimately provide more profitable sales per litre.

The 3 key challenges for the NSW Grape and Wine Industry currently are:

1. Building Demand.

This includes internationally (see above), but also in the domestic market. NSW (according

to the Wine Business Solutions Report) has the lowest % of wine listings on On-Premise

wine lists of any major wine producing state in Australia, this is particularly notable in

Australia’s largest market Sydney.

Demand will be increased through increased visitation to wine regions and Cellar Doors in

particular. This is the lifeblood for many small and medium wine producers in NSW and is a

critical channel for a sustained wine industry.

2. We need to foster innovation through Research, Development and Extension to remain

competitive and combat any possible Biosecurity risks and incursions in NSW.

NSW, primarily through the NSW Department of Primary Industry, currently supports the

wine and grape industry through a series of programs such as the Skills Development

Program.

There are also a number of research institutions particularly the National Wine and Grape

Industry Centre (NWGIC) in Wagga Wagga working closely with industry on research that

can be applied within the industry.

3. Supply Side Efficiency – Optimisation

We need to have all facets and participants in the supply chain operating efficiently and

productively for the wine industry to be profitable. Again, to quote Australian Grape & Wine

“To ensure enduring profitability of the winegrape growing sector, Australia must invest in

improved technology to ensure we can compete in terms of production efficiency with our

global competitors. We recognise a significant scientific effort has concentrated on

viticultural production systems in recent years and that over the last two decades innovation

has played a significant role in the industry’s growth. As the industry matures, however,

there is a need to balance the scientists’ interest in an incremental change within in a

particular field, with the need for practitioners to manage their properties in the best interest

of their businesses. A ‘quantum leap’ in productivity (as opposed to production) is required,

focusing on a holistic approach to the application of science.”

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Trade & Export

Overview and Context:

Wine is NSW’s 4th largest Primary industry export valued at more than $500m per year. Current

growth in exports suggests that the MAT growth (Dec 18 MAT) is $533m growing at 7% value.

Of this, roughly $27m has a NSW specific region nominated on the label.

NSW produces approximately 31% of Australia’s wine grapes across a variety of diverse regions.

Premium wines such as those with a NSW region identified are increasingly becoming sought after

in international markets.

Trade development activity is needed to capture NSW’s share of the opportunities emerging in the

higher value export markets. NSW is also a very significant participant in commercial production of

wine for export and we need to continue to contribute to the growth of Australian wine in general

(especially from NSW based companies) to see our state’s share grow.

NSW should, through its state and regional organisations, aim to collaborate with Wine Australia to

focus trade development on counties and segments which are beneficial to the NSW wine industry.

Challenges for NSW Wine Exports:

We believe that there is a need to focus on NSW appellated wines (wines with a NSW region

on the label)

Estimates of export sales of NSW produced wine suggest that these wines generate $3.31 per

litre wholesale value. If you look at wines branded with a NSW based geographic indicator on

them, the average value increases to $6.18 per litre (Wine Australia Dec 18 MAT export

report)

Need for a coordinated and shared platform between Government and Industry

With the Federal government providing $50m to the wine industry to primarily boost export

growth, a coordinate approach is needed

We are currently being out performed by other major wine producing states

For example, exports of wines produced in Victoria have grown by 13% MAT Value and those

of Western Australia by 9% MAT Value at a time when NSW was growing by 7% Mat Value.

(Wine Australia Dec 18 MAT export report)

Programs:

Support and promote the program of events and the resources delivered by Wine Australia

through Program 1 (Accelerating Growth in International Demand) and Program 2 (Creating

China-Ready Businesses) of the Export and Regional Wine Support Package. This program

will run until June 2020.

To support the above, and to achieve the export goals of:

o Double the sales of wines above $A5.00 FOB per litre price point, especially those

wines with a specific NSW based GI (Geographic Indicator) from 2018 to 2022

o Increase the total sales of wines both grown and produced in NSW

o Enable the NSW wine industry to take advantage of markets with the new Free Trade

Agreements (FTA)

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Support a program of rolling industry led export-related ‘Trade Activities’, to build the

reputation and sales of NSW’s wine offering in export markets (with a focus on Asia and China

in particular). These activities could include:

o Attendance by wine regions at International Wine Trade Shows

o Large & small scale inbound and outbound trade missions

In conjunction with industry export professionals, develop an ‘Export Program’ which will

complement the current work being done by both NSW State Government and also Wine

Australia through the Export and Regional Wine Support Program (ERWSP), specifically the

export capability program.

This NSW program could see a number of NSW based export companies (target 30 wine

exporters) utilise the services of an industry expert to assist in a one-on-one capacity to

develop export plans and achieve a suitable route to market in export countries.

Recommendation

NSW Wine recommends that the NSW Government commits to a four

year rolling program of industry led export-related trade activities, to

build the reputation of NSW’s premium wine offering in the US, UK, Asia

and China markets.

Cost of Activities over 4-year program:

‘Trade Activities’ Industry funding share - $1m commitment

‘Trade Activities’ Government share sought - $1m commitment

‘Export Program’ Industry funding share - $150K commitment

‘Export Program’ Government share sought - $300K commitment

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Tourism

Overview and Context:

NSW continues to be the highest value tourism state in Australia with the majority of International visitors

entering and/or exiting through Sydney. Over $2B is spent on Food & Wine Tourism in NSW.

Opportunities and Challenges:

Sydney is the gateway for Tourism in NSW

This a strong advantage as many domestic and international tourists start their journey from the

state.

Most wine regions in NSW are more than 2 hours away from Sydney

We know that many tourists (especially international) do not plan to travel more than 299km in

distance from their origin point (Sydney). This is a challenge and we need to provide an incentive

to make this travel.

NSW has a very low % of NSW wines on wine lists within the state.

We need our states On Premise sector to support our wine industry. Food and Wine is a massive

industry for tourism and we need to have this sector as a ‘showcase’ for our states wine industry

Programs:

Execute and Implement the actions that has be outlined as part of the Federal Government’s

ERWSP NSW State Capturing Growth in International Wine Tourism Grant. This program has

been agreed to be run until June 2020 with funding from both the federal government ($1m) and

the State Government (through DNSW) $1m.

Execute and Implement the actions outlined in the release of the NSW Food & Wine Tourism

Strategy & Action Plan (2018 – 2022). To date, little communication or visible activity has been seen.

Continued participation in the DNSW based grants programs for tourism and events.

In 2014, the NSW government removed the Cellar Door Subsidy program and provided no

alternative support post its demise. Some states like Victoria still have this subsidy program

however. NSW Wine proposes a similar scheme to the one implemented in South Australia, called

the ‘Wine Industry Development Scheme’. It is broken into 3 Sections:

1. Regional Wine Industry Association Grants Program ($200,000 pa)

The Regional Wine Industry Association Grants Program is aimed at regional grape and

wine industry associations looking to develop regional wine tourism and visitor experiences.

2. Cellar Door Grants Program ($ 250,000 pa)

The Cellar Door Grants Program is aimed at wineries operating a cellar door that are looking

to diversify and improve their traditional cellar door experience.

3. In addition to the grant programs, $50,000 pa is allocated to support new major wine events

and promotions - helping showcase the state’s premium wine to local and international

markets and strengthening NSW’s wine identity.

Recommendation

NSW Wine recommends that the NSW Government commits to introducing

a Wine Industry Development Scheme. Using the South Australian

program as a model, develop a yearly round of contestable grants to

projects that will build tourism in the wine industry. This will furthermore

increase tourism in regional NSW.

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Cost of Activities per annum:

Government investment sought - $500K commitment

Total investment over 4 years - $2 million

Research, Development & Extension (innovation)

New South Wales is often at the forefront of research, development and innovation within the wine

industry, with the first-class facilities and staff at the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre

(NWGIC) and Charles Sturt University (CSU), who continually push the boundaries in this field.

NSW Wine is very keen to see continued funding for wine industry-specific research and development

through the NWGIC and CSU. Also continued funding for wine industry-specific extension officers -

who will work to build industry capability and innovation – is seen as vitally important.

In addition to this, we would like to enter into a 5 year extension of the NSW Skills Development

Program (SDP) for the NSW wine industry beyond the current SDP expiring at the end of June 2019.

Recommendation

Enter into a 5 year extension of the NSW Skills Development Program (SDP)

for the NSW wine industry beyond the current SDP expiring at the end of June

2019.

Biosecurity

NSW Wine is adamant that industry needs to see continued funding for a robust biosecurity support

and extension service across NSW.

We would like to see the NSW Grape and Wine Industry and NSW Government working together on a

set of Biosecurity Protocols to assist with both the prevention and also the emergency procedures

associated with Biosecurity risk and incursions in NSW.

Recommendation

Fund the creation of a set of Biosecurity protocols to combat with the

Biosecurity risk and incursions in NSW.

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Local Content Policy

The NSW Government recognises the contribution of small business to the state via their Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy. This policy ensures that small business can be more competitive and more informed when applying for NSW Government contracts and also enables government to include considerations for SMEs to be made a priority when it comes to being awarding NSW goods and services contracts. This is an applauded initiative and NSW Wine believes it can be used as an excellent example for how the NSW government could further develop its support for the food and beverage sector. Sydney hosts numerous events – annually attracting a large number and wide range of highly connected domestic and international influencers. At these events a range of food and beverage offerings are served. Unfortunately, at many of these events, wines from other states or countries are provided. The opportunity to put our premium producers and products on the world stage in our domestic environment represents a promotional money-can’t-buy opportunity that NSW Wine would welcome. The creation of a minimum local content policy for NSW’s major events (where the government provides sponsorship or funding) would present a key path to ensuring our producers are intrinsically linked to the prestige of NSW’s enviable events calendar. NSW Wine recognises there are various contractual and sponsorship arrangements in place to deliver many of these events so a smaller target to start the policy would be required. With this in mind, we would recommend that a 25% minimum content across the board is put in place in the initial stages, with a 15% minimum for beverage producers and perhaps consider incentives if 100% NSW beverages are provided.

Recommendation

The development of a mandated Local Content – Food & Beverage Policy for all of the sponsored NSW Government minor and major events. NSW Wine and its members would be overjoyed to see all NSW Government hosted events showcasing 100% NSW produce.

Wine Levy

The NSW wine industry is considering a new levy structure that would allow the industry to activate around key tourism and trade opportunities while also providing the foresight to invest in key extension opportunities. A state levy could facilitate additional research, industry development and capability building. There are a number of models existing in Australia and the levy model in Western Australia is of particular interest.

Recommendation

NSW Wine seeks a commitment to assist industry where required in

establishing a wine levy if industry can demonstrate a high-level of support

for the initiative.

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Government Regulations

The NSW Wine Industry Association has welcomed all levels of government acting to reduce alcohol

related harm in society. It is our belief that industry has been at the forefront of working with our

members to activate the responsible consumption messaging and preventing abuse where we have

direct influence.

In 2017, a draft National Alcohol Strategy was released. The NSW Wine industry supported many

priorities outlined in this document such as:

- National standardisation of Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements

- Improved awareness and enforcement of secondary supply legislation

- Improved treatment, information and support services

The NSWWIA opposes recommended actions that are population wide strategies as it is our position

that they are considered ineffective in helping those in real need.

Our general position is to try to work with government to effectively enforce the necessary regulations

but to do it as efficiently without the need for undue regulation where possible. We believe that the

wine industry should be considered a stakeholder and a partner in policy development that ensures

our products are consumed responsibility.

Minimum Unit Floor Pricing (MUFP)

MUFP for alcohol is a measure legislated by a State or Territory Government so that alcohol products

cannot be sold at a price lower than a stated value per unit of alcohol.

The first state or territory in Australia to introduce this mechanism of alcohol control was the Northern

Territory. The Introductory MUFP was $1.30. An average bottle of wine cannot be sold for less than

approximately $9.75

MUFP unfairly targets low socio-economic consumers and incorrectly marks them as the main source

of alcohol abuse. Additionally, an MUFP will directly increase revenue for the large liquor retailers with

no additional revenue generated for Government health expenditure and no flow-on benefits for

producers.

The inability of governments to gain a net benefit to fund policy to deal with harm means that

increased prices on lower cost products will not result in any health gains for people with serious

alcohol addiction. However, there will be a net loss to general consumers in lower socioeconomic

circumstances with increased alcohol prices, a clear unintended consequence of minimum floor pricing

policy.

Alcohol and Health Labelling

The vast majority of Australians who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly. Indeed, the Australian

Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW) notes in its National Drug Strategy Household Survey that:

- the level of binge drinking in Australia is falling

- the rate of underage drinking is declining

- more Australians are abstaining from alcohol while pregnant and, in general,

- Australians are drinking less often.

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Container Deposit Schemes

Container deposit schemes (CDS) are currently in place in South Australia, the Northern Territory,

New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland, with Western Australia to introduce its own scheme in

2020. South Australia is currently reviewing its scheme.

The purpose of the original South Australian CDS (established in 1977) was to reduce drink-container

litter across the state. It was argued that wine and spirits, as well as milk and juice cartons, were

generally consumed at home and therefore, they did not end up in street litter. Thus, the containers

have always been exempted in South Australia, and most new CDS’s share this approach including

NSW.

Licensing

Licensing in NSW, particularly for venues used as Cellar Doors caused confusion and concern in NSW

regions. To assist the process, the NSW Wine Industry Association asks the OLGR to provide:

- A clear set of guidelines about the granting of licenses for retail sales for all premises located

within wine regions

- A strong tightening on the granting of packaged goods licenses to premises located in a

designated vineyard area.

- Clear communications between Local Government and State Government especially with regards

to the granting of DA’s for wine sales premises.

- An understanding of how licenses are reviewed once granted.

Recommendation

No minimum unit floor pricing policy is introduced in NSW over the next four years.

The wine industry is considered a stakeholder and where relevant a partner in

policy development that ensures our products are consumed responsibly.

Ensure industry has a seat at the table when designing policies relating to

Alcohol and Health.

No change to include wine in the CDS in NSW.

A response from OLGR on the granting of licenses for retail sales for all premises

located within wine regions.

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Summary Table

PRIORITY AREA SNAPSHOT ASK REQUEST FUNDING

Trade & Export

NSW is currently being outperformed by other wine producing states.

There is great potential to grow our exports in the higher value export markets

Work together to develop Trade Activities and Export Programs that complement the current work being done by NSW Government and Wine Australia through the ERWSP

$1.3 million over 4 years

Tourism

Sydney attracts huge tourism

BUT we need to attract this asset out to our wine regions

The introduction of a Wine Industry Development Scheme, including a Cellar Door Grants Program

$2 million over 4 years

Research, Development and Extension (Innovation)

NSW is often at the forefront of R, D & E, with current funding for

Wine industry-specific research

wine industry extension officers

the NSW Skills Development Program

Continue vital funding in R, D & E and extend the NSW Skills Development Program beyond its current expiry date

Provide funding for a robust Biosecurity support service

TBC (awaiting announcement from NSW DPI)

Local Content Policy

Major events in NSW attract a wide range of international and domestic guests

The wine served is often not from NSW

Mandated local food and wine content policy for all NSW Government events

Nil

Wine Levy

Each of the wine states in Australia has a state-based levy that allows the association funding to run programs

NSW Wine wants to explore the formation of a levy

The NSW Government assists in the establishment of a wine levy, if industry can demonstrate a high-level of support for the initiative

Nil

Government Regulation

The majority of people in NSW who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly

Most wine in NSW is consumed at home and therefore does not add to street litter

The NSW Government views the wine industry as a stakeholder and, where relevant, a partner in policy development that ensures our products can be consumed fairly and responsibly

Nil

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NSW Wine Industry Association Board Member Biographies

Tom Ward - President Tom is the winemaker/manager of Swinging Bridge Wines in Orange. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Sydney University), Grad Dip in Wine Business (University of Adelaide) and Bachelor of Applied Science (Oneology, C.S.U). He has been the NSWWIA President since 2013, having previously been Vice President in charge of R&D and promotions. Tom is a very active member of the wine industry, having been on the board of Wine GrapeGrowers Australia, the board of National Wine Grapegrowing Industry Centre (NWGIC) and organising committee of the 15th AWITC conference. He is currently a member of the Small Winemakers Committee for Winemakers Federation of Australia and is on the executive committee for Orange Regional Vignerons Association (ORVA).

Angus Barnes - Executive Officer (and Public Officer) Angus has been involved in the NSW wine industry for many years, coming on the NSWWIA board in 2012 and taking up the role of Executive Officer in April 2017. He is an experienced senior executive with expertise in marketing, sales and financial management both in Australia and Europe. He had nearly 15 years with Pernod Ricard Winemakers across a wide variety of strategy, sales and marketing roles, most recently as the Global Brand Communications and Heritage Director, and he has been responsible for global strategy, local market execution and brand homes during his career. He has been involved in many industry associations and was a graduate of the first induction of the ‘Future Leaders’ program in 2006 which is run by Wine Australia. Angus also currently serves as the Chair of the Wine Communicators of Australia.

Mark Bourne - Treasurer Mark is the owner of Cuttaway Hill Wines and is currently the longest serving wine producer in the Southern Highlands wine region with over 22 years’ experience in the wine industry including as a grape grower, viticultural consultant, winemaker and brand manager. He was the founding president of The Southern Highlands Vignerons Association and is currently the outgoing President of the Southern Highlands Food & Wine Association after 5 years’ service. He is also a Board of the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) based at Charles Sturt University. His commitment to the Southern Highlands and the NSW wine industry is stronger than ever, and he is a passionate advocate and frequent representative for both at regional, state and national levels.

Liz Riley - Vice President ~ Research Development and Extension Liz has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine) and is also an Australian Nuffield Farming Scholar. She commenced viticultural consulting (Vitbit Pty Ltd) in 2000, after 8 years of working in the wine industry on a local, interstate and international basis, and in 2011 she was voted the Hunter Valley Wine Industry's Viticulturist of the Year and more recently the 2017 ASVO Viticulturist of the Year. An active member of the wine industry, Liz is currently an Associate Member & Viticulture Sub-committee member of the Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association and a member of the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology. Liz remains as a special qualifications Director on the board of the Australian Wine Research Institute, a role she commenced in December 2011. She is also currently the Chair of the R&D committee.

Manda Duffy - Vice President ~ Promotions Manda has over 20 years’ experience in Sales Management in Cellar Door Operations, working with both small and large teams across sales and marketing, training and development, staff selection, continuity wine club development and implementation whilst dedicated to regional wine tourism. She currently heads up the Direct to Consumer Division for Australian Vintage Ltd covering Cellar Doors, Clubs and Continuity Programs, Emerging Channels, Duty Free, Online Sales, Telesales and Webstores.

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Byron Hodkinson - Vice President ~ Government Relations & Licensing Byron is a legal, public policy and corporate affairs professional employed by Pernod Ricard Winemakers as Public Affairs Manager since December 2018. He has broad experience across the private and public sectors. Commencing his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as a tax lawyer, he later went on to advise senior government ministers in the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments; firstly as a tax and legal policy adviser to the Victorian Treasurer and later as senior Adviser to the Federal Treasurer on tax and superannuation policy. He returned to the private sector as a consultant to PwC on government engagement, tax and economic policy issues.

Andrew Calabria - Riverina Region Andrew followed in his father’s footsteps and was granted early acceptance at the Charles Sturt University Oenology course (Wine Science degree) and joined the family business as an assistant winemaker, soaking up the knowledge and experience of two senior team members. Today Andrew spends up to four months of the year traveling the world, spreading the word about the Calabria family wine portfolio. “The best part about my job is that wine is universal and I have the opportunity to see the reaction of the consumer when they try my families wine. This is the best marketing research that money cannot buy!” In 2017 Andrew became President of the Riverina Winemakers Association.

Stewart Ewan OAM - Hunter Region Stewart planted his first vineyard in Pokolbin in 1995 and now is an active vineyard owner in Broke. Stewart has had an extensive career for over 50 years in the Property Industry being the Chairman of the NSW Property Council, a Director of the Australian Property Council and a member of the NSW Heritage Council. He is also a Director or Chairman of a number of private and public companies including Byvan Management, NavyB & ADCO Constructions, Dexus, Capitaland [Singapore], Enacon, Abbey Group and Deutsche Property. Stewart has been an adviser to the NSW Dept being UrbanGrowth and represented the Hunter Valley on the NSW Government on the Coal CSG Planning Committee.

Patrick Auld - Central Ranges Zone Patrick Auld started his wine career in the Hunter Valley in 1973. By 1996 he had secured the position of Manager / Senior Winemaker of the Southcorp interests. This included serving 14 years on the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association (HVVA), with two years as President, during which he oversaw the amalgamation of the HVVA and Wine Hunter Marketing to become the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association. He was inducted as a Hunter Valley Legend in 2012. Patrick is currently working for the Robert Oatley Wines and is based in Mudgee NSW.

John Leyshon - Other Regions NSW/ACT For the last 16 years, John has been the owner and winemaker at Mallaluka Wines. He is also the President of the Canberra District Wine Industry Association. He has previously been a member of the Tourism Industry Advisory Council and the also the Tourism Leaders Forum run by the Canberra Business Chamber. John has travelled to many of the premium wine regions in Australia, France and Italy, and has a keen appreciation of the value of the wine industry to regional Australia. John also currently works as an Associate Dean in the faculty of Business, Government and Law at the University of Canberra.

Bruno Brombal – Wine Grapes Marketing Board Bruno has been grape growing for over 50 years in the NSW Riverina and owns and operates 200 hectares of vineyards across 3 properties. He is also the Chair of the NSW Agricultural Industry Services Committee the Wine Grapes Marketing Board, a position he has held for the past 21 years. He has undertaken many representative roles in the past as Chair of Wine Grape Growers Australia, a foundation member of Winegrape Growers Council of Australia and most recently he sits as a director on the newly formed Inland Wine Regions Alliance (IWRA) which represents the majority of independent grape growers in Australia. Bruno is currently a director of the MIA Vine Improvement Society and held the position of Deputy Chair for over 20 years.

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Cameron Crowley - Corporate Member Cameron has gained 25 years’ experience in the liquor industry with Australian Asia Pacific and Global leadership roles. With a focus on strategy, brands marketing and innovation he has worked successfully across the Beer, Wine and Spirits category. With Taylors Wines as Chief Marketing Officer he was instrumental in the introduction of the optimum drinking temperature program and was recognized as the Leader of Australia’s Best Marketing team by both B&T and the Australian marketing institute. He is currently CEO of Cumulus Wines.

Andrew McLean – Corporate Member Andrew is currently a Projects and Development Manager at Casella Family Brands in Griffith. He has previously worked with Treasury Wine Estates and McWilliams Wines working in vineyard management and technical support in the Riverina, Mudgee, Coonawarra and Barossa Valley. Andrew has a Master of Oenology and Viticulture (CSU) and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (University of Adelaide), and he currently also sits on the NWGIC Board.

John Cassegrain - Corporate Member John has clocked up over 40 years’ experience in the wine industry since graduating in oenology at Roseworthy in 1978. He worked with Murray Tyrrell and experienced vintages in Burgundy and Bordeaux. John is Chief Winemaker and owner of Cassegrain Wines in Port Macquarie, established 1980. John’s French ancestry has influenced his wine making throughout his career, though the focus has been to do this with modern techniques using multi-regional grapes grown across NSW. John is also passionate about supporting all things local and served on the Port Macquarie Hastings tourism board and the Port Macquarie Hastings Council tourism taskforce for several years during a period which resulted in greatly increased tourism into the region and the establishment of ongoing markets and regular events.