January edition of the WCA e-news

It is with great pleasure that we start this, the first newsletter of 2024 with some happy news that we at the WCA should be very proud of. As part of the Australia Day honours list announcement on the 26^th of January 2024, it was announced that our very own Robert Hirst has received an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia in the General division). This was awarded for service to Oenology and to industry associations. In the official announcement, the first Association listed is the WCA! Rob has been heavily involved in the WCA since its inception in 2009, and was awarded the Legend of the Vine Award in NSW in 2015.  
 
Well done Rob! We at the WCA are so proud of you and cannot think of a more deserving recipient for the incredible body of service that you have given to the wine industry.

As I write this, vintage is well underway in certain areas. The Hunter Valley in NSW has picked most of the white wines and is starting on reds. I was lucky enough to spend a day touring vineyards and we are on track for an excellent vintage but keep our eyes to the skies to ward off any large rain or hail events.
 
The WCA is again gearing up for a great year. We have robust teams across the country planning events and activities to help the industry engage, connect, inspire and educate.
 
Our Webinar program starts on February 13^th with a Webinar on ‘Building a sustainable future through package design’ and will be brought to you by our partner CCL. Register here.
 
In Victoria, we have two great events coming up. On the 6^th of February, we again have the opportunity to hear from Andrew Caillard MW, as he talks about his new book “The Australian Ark”. The event will be held at the offices of TWE in Melbourne, find out more. A couple of weeks later, on the 16^th of February, a fantastic tour of the Yarra Valley has been organised. Regional stops will include Rob Dolan Wines, Hubert Estate, Innocent Bystander and Four Pillars Gin, find out more.
 
Our big event in the next months is the WCA Wine Growth Summit held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on the 29^th of March. This will be a great day of insights and information about wine growth strategies and key international markets.
 
Lastly, applications for the 2024 Wine Industry Mentor Program will be open on the 1^st of March 2024. The program is a whole of sector initiative aiming to support and inspire the future generations of wine industry professionals. Please click here to find out more and to register your interest either as a Mentor or a Mentee.
 
Whilst we hopefully still have your attention, Wine Australia have released their draft plan for the wine industry, The One Grape & Wine Sector Plan. It is released to give the industry a response to recent challenges and get our sector back on track to achieve the long-term goals as set out in Vision 2050. Wine Australia has invited industry to provide feedback to this draft by the 5^th of February 2024 (https://www.wineaustralia.com/whats-happening/one-sector-plan). This is important and it is your chance to provide some feedback to the plan.
 
Thanks for your continued support, good luck with Vintage 2024, and hopefully we see you soon.

Angus Barnes 🍷
WCA Executive Chair

Join the WCA Victorian Chapter for a wine education experience at four amazing locations in the Yarra Valley. Learn from experts in the field about how to create a memorable cellar door experience and meet some new wine professionals to grow your network. 

TICKETS: WCA Members $140 | Non Members $150

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