The Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association (CVWGA) has appointed Mitchell Taylor, Managing Director and Winemaker at Taylors Wines, as its new chairman.
As the Managing Director of one of the region’s largest wineries, Taylor brings decades of experience to his new position and a proven track record in leadership positions, including two consecutive board memberships positions with Wine Australia, acting as Director of the Drinks Association, and founding and chairing Australia’s First Families of Wine.
Coming to the role in a challenging time for the wine industry, Taylor said he’s aware of the trust the board has put in him to steer the industry through tricky times.
“I’m honoured to be taking on the role of chairman for the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, 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,” he said.
The appointment is the first of an association member since the amalgamation of the Clare Valley Winemakers Incorporated and Clare Region Winegrape Growers Association in 2018.
Taylor will officially take up the new role on 1 September 2023. He will work alongside the CVWGA Board, which includes Ali Paulett of Paulett Wines, Grant Carr of Braeside Vineyards, Penny Lion of Bourke & Travers, Hilary Mitchell of Mitchell Wines, Matt Schultz also of Taylors Wines, Olivia Hoffmann Barry of Jim Barry Wines and
Taylor will officially take up the new role on 1 September 2023. He will work alongside the CVWGA Board, which includes Ali Paulett of Paulett Wines, Grant Carr of Braeside Vineyards, Penny Lion of Bourke & Travers, Hilary Mitchell of Mitchell Wines, Matt Schultz also of Taylors Wines, Olivia Hoffmann Barry of Jim Barry Wines and
Taylor will officially take up the new role on 1 September 2023. He will work alongside the CVWGA Board, which includes Ali Paulett of Paulett Wines, Grant Carr of Braeside Vineyards, Penny Lion of Bourke & Travers, Hilary Mitchell of Mitchell Wines, Matt Schultz also of Taylors Wines, Olivia Hoffmann Barry of Jim Barry Wines and Annette Hovey, and independent board member.
“I thank outgoing Chairman Martin Ferguson AM for his service to our region, which during his time has seen tourism figures exceed long-term projections, and his strategies will continue to guide the region forward,” concluded Taylor.
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