Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association appoints Taylors Wines’ Mitchell Taylor as its new Chairman

The peak regional association for the Clare Valley wine industry, Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association (CVWGA), has appointed Taylors Wines Managing Director and Winemaker Mitchell Taylor as its new Chairman

Taylor is the first Chair appointee who is a member of the Association since the amalgamation of the Clare Valley Winemakers Incorporated and Clare Region Winegrape Growers Association in 2018. This milestone signifies the Board’s priority for a local leader with strong ties to the national wine industry, which will provide confidence to members during a challenging era for the Australian wine industry.

As Managing Director of the region’s largest family-owned winery, Taylor brings decades of experience championing the CVWGA’s core priorities - promotion, innovation, and sustainability. 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.

Taylor’s commitment to sustainability, exemplified by Taylors Wines’ pledging to the Science-Based Targets initiative and early adoption of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia’s certification, aligns with the region’s long-term goals of establishing sustainability as an element of regional pride and reputation.

And as a strong exporter of his own family’s wines to multiple markets, Taylor will continue to help promote Clare Valley wine and the region nationally and internationally.

Taylor assumes this critical role with determination and optimism during a challenging time for the wine industry.

“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,” Taylor said.

“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.

“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.”

Taylor’s role as Chairman is effective from 1st September. He will work alongside the CVWGA Board, which includes Ali Paulett (Paulett Wines), Grant Carr (Braeside Vineyards), Penny Lion (Bourke & Travers), Hilary Mitchell (Mitchell Wines), Annette Hovey (Independent Board Member), Matt Schultz (Taylors Wines), and Olivia Hoffmann Barry (Jim Barry Wines).