Sarah Carlson is the new Executive Officer for the Adelaide Hills Wine Region (AHWR), the membership body that represents wineries and grape-growers in the region.
In the leadership role, Ms Carlson will work to strengthen the region’s identity and build resilience at every level of members’ business, from grape-growing to sales and hospitality and with her excellent network of relationships, Ms Carlson will ensure all areas of regional activities and member services – from vineyard to cellar door – are integrated.
Alex Trescowthick, President of Adelaide Hills Wine Region comments, “She fully understands the issues affecting members, from the impact of growing conditions and government policy on grape-growers, to the importance of enhancing the visitor experience and promoting a coherent regional brand.
“Being the head of a not-for-profit member-funded organisation involves a lot of juggling and consideration of various perspectives, and Sarah not only has the expertise, but is very much a ‘people-person’, with the sensitivity and pragmatism to make informed decisions.”
Ms Carlson steps into the role after more than over two years as Grower Engagement Officer with the AHWR, and prior to that six years as a consultant to the organisation working on environment and sustainability projects.
As Executive Officer, Ms Carlson’s role will continue to incorporate grower engagement and sustainability and she will have oversight of marketing, events, policy and advocacy. AHWR’s in-house team will support her in managing the roll-out of events, marketing and communications, projects and member services.
Ms Carlson has studied and worked in the wine industry for over 16 years, primarily in the Adelaide Hills. Having grown up in the US and spent time working in publishing in the UK, Carlson moved to Australia in 2005 and dedicated her career to wine.
She obtained an MA in Wine Business at the University of Adelaide and worked with several wineries in the Adelaide Hills in marketing and communications.
