A submission from the wine industry to the Productivity Commission’s national workplace relations review has highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to the federal workplace relations laws, according to the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA). The detailed submission prepared by SAWIA in collaboration with the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) contains 22 recommendations. “We have identified a range of changes that need to be made to get flexibility and balance back into the system, lift productivity and cut red-tape and compliance costs, particularly for many of the small businesses in the wine industry,” Brian Smedley, SAWIA chief executive, said.

Following a record number of entries, the 2015 Future Leaders program has singled out 15 individuals from the Australian grape and wine community to become the industry’s ‘next’ thought leaders. An initiative of the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA) in partnership with Wine and Grape Growers Australia (WGGA) and Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA), the program is designed to develop participants’ leadership capabilities and encourage innovation and thoughtful debate on the future of the sector.

Chinese vineyards might be young but the local investment in them is further confirmation from those on the ground, which an emerging middle class is ready to splurge on a quality drop of wine.
The crowded domestic market in Australia has prompted many wineries to look north, with hopes to target a new Chinese consumer base. Others see opportunities in production, utilising a much cheaper workforce. In the northwest region of Ningxia a major facelift is underway. Quiet villages are experiencing double-digit growth as they work to establish modern cities.

After a successful 2014 #7peaks7Days, The Wine Peloton are at it again, announcing a 2015 #TourofTassie. The group will cycle around Tasmania between 22-28 November to raise funds for wine writer Tyson Stelzer’s Teen Rescue Foundation. While the group can’t replicate the mountain climbing feats of the 7 peaks Alpine Ascent Challenge, the Tour of Tasmania will cross Hobart’s Mt Wellington and the Peak of Cradle Mountain as they cover more than 1,000km in seven days.

The Wrattonbully wine region has been praised for its quality wines and unique sense of place after last week’s visit of highly influential Australian sommeliers. Ten guests representing some of the country’s best restaurants gained a unique view of the region’s geology by delving deep beneath a vineyard during an underground tour of Schultz Cave. Members of the SIP (Sommelier Immersion Program) Tour organised by Wine Australia were also given a comprehensive insight into the importance of the soils of Wrattonbully by geologist and Peppertree Wines owner John Davis, with a structured tasting at Pavy Wines and dinner at Struan House capping off the day.

Millennials are increasingly moving away from beer in favour of wine and spirits. This trend is scaring major companies like Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, and Heineken, according to a recent report by Morgan Stanley. “Overall beer consumption trends remain weak, and it appears millennials are increasingly turning to other alcoholic beverages,” the analysts write. And many millennials who do drink beer prefer craft varieties to traditional pale lagers like Budweiser.

Rhyan Wardman has been appointed General Manager – Marlborough for Giesen Wines. Wardman has worked in the wine industry for more than 20 years. He started his winemaking career at Seresin Estate in Marlborough in the mid-90s and has held a variety of winemaking positions. In 2010 Wardman returned from the UK, where he was wine director at Constellation Europe, to join Indevin partners as chief winemaker and latterly chief operating officer. He is a board member of Wine Marlborough.

HUNTER Valley-based Agnew Wines Pty Ltd has taken a significant stake in South Australia’s McLaren Vale region, with the purchase of a 21-hectare vineyard in the Blewitt Springs subregion. The acquisition was set in train by the company’s founder and chairman, Brian Agnew, before his death at the age of 69 on February 24 after a 2½-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Brian was a major figure in the law and horse racing, as well as wine.

Former chief executive officer of the New Zealand Wine Company (NZWC) has been found guilty on 17 fraud charges in the Auckland High Court today. Three years ago Peter John Scutts agreed to take a commission from an Australian wholesaler for advising his company to enter into a supply contract. During his tenure with NZWC from July 2011 to September 2012, Scutts pocketed $64,000.
Following an eight week investigation by the Serious Fraud Office in 2013, the 59-year-old was found guilty today of dishonesty and corruption.

One of the Hunter’s historic homesteads will be recognised today for its strong tie to the region’s wine industry. Marthaville is the oldest sawn timber home in Cessnock and was awarded the Hunter Valley heritage award in 2014. It was built in 1885 by George Brown, who was one of the first vignerons in the region. A stone cairn will be unveiled on the property this afternoon. Bob Pynsent, Cessnock mayor said it is a significant gesture.