Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association (CVWGA) has appointed Taylors Wines Managing Director and Winemaker Mitchell Taylor as its new Chairman.
The appointment of Taylor celebrates a significant milestone, being the first Chair appointee who is a member of the Association. During a challenging era for the Australian wine industry, this signifies the Board’s priority for a local leader with strong ties to the national wine industry and provides members with confidence. Taylor spoke of his delight at the new appointment.
“I’m honoured to be taking on the role of Chairman for the CVWGA, and I thank the board for their trust in me during what is a noticeably difficult time for both the region and the greater wine industry.”
“We’ve just come off our lowest vintage crush in over two decades, and global trade and financial pressures continue to stress the industry’s supply chain. But Clare has a long and celebrated history of resilience and innovation on its side to carry us through. I am eager to collaborate with my regional colleagues to promote the Clare Valley as one of Australia’s premier wine regions in the world – for both our wine and world-class experiences.”
Established in 2018, CVWGA is the peak regional association for the Clare Valley wine industry, with the purpose of ensuring the prosperity and sustainability of member businesses and the Clare Valley community.
As Managing Director of Taylors Wines, the region’s largest family-owned winery, Taylor has supported the winery with its production of superior quality wines and sustained market growth. Drawing on his experience in this hands-on role, Taylor is well positioned to amplify consumer awareness of the region and support winemakers in increasing their value in the global market.
Bringing decades of experience, Taylor champions the CVWGA’s core priorities of promotion, innovation and sustainability, and aligns with the region’s long-term goals of establishing sustainability as an element of regional pride and reputation. Taylor brings proven leadership in guiding collaborative industry organisations, including two consecutive board memberships with Wine Australia, a Director of the Drinks Association, and Founder and past Chairman of Australia’s First Families of Wine.
“I thank outgoing CVWGA Chairman Martin Ferguson AM for his service to our region, which during his time has seen tourism figures exceed long-term projects, and his strategies will continue to guide the region forward,” Taylor added.