14, January 2022

McLAREN VALE GRAPE WINE & TOURISM ASSOCIATION APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association (MVGWTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Leggat as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Having spent ten years with the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, most recently as Deputy Director of the DFAT South Australia State Office, Erin joins MVGWTA with significant background in trade and investment policy, advocacy and commercial diplomacy, including on behalf of the Australian wine industry.

“For the last 5 years Erin has been closely involved with the wine sector, including during her overseas postings. Her most recent role in South Australia enabled her to consult closely with SA government, industry associations and export businesses, conducting outreach and analysis to support informed national trade policy and facilitate new market opportunities. I believe Erin will bring significant experience to us in these key areas” said MVGWTA Chairman David Spear.

“I believe Erin will bring a great deal of skill and expertise to the role, including a global perspective to help our members through the current challenges they face” Spear said.

Erin has worked in numerous overseas locations, including postings with DFAT in Vietnam and Chile. She holds a Bachelor of Asian Studies and a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University (ANU) and an Executive Certificate in Event Management from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Erin also speaks 4 languages.

“I am excited to take on the role of CEO of this incredible organisation, representing such a diverse and exciting region”, Erin said. “I am looking forward to working alongside members, staff and stakeholders to further promote McLaren Vale’s reputation for premium winemaking and excellence in innovation, sustainability and experiential tourism, particularly internationally. I am well across the challenges facing the SA wine industry and look forward to working with members to address their specific concerns and advocate for their businesses”.

Erin takes up her role officially on February 15th 2022.

MVGWTA is more than 20 years old, having evolved from the McLaren Vale Winemakers Group that started in the region over 50 years ago. Since MVGWTA’s inception in 1965, brand ‘McLaren Vale’ has achieved world recognition.

MVGWTA provides the major industries of the McLaren Vale region – wine, food and wine tourism – with a vision for the future in both domestic and international markets. It acts as a broker and representative of those industries and is the driving force behind their development. MVGWTA plays a crucial role in supporting the region’s economic and environmental sustainability.

MVGWTA is funded by the McLaren Vale Wine Industry Fund and is a membership-based Association that is governed by a Board of Directors.