Local representation continues on wine body committee

REPRESENTATION from the Riverland and Barossa will be key as a major wine industry body “continues to navigate significant change and pursue new opportunities”

The South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) recently appointed its executive committee for 2026/27, with Kirsty Balnaves continuing as president, and Tom Keelan re-elected as vice president.

The 13-member executive committee brings together growers, winemakers and business leaders from across South Australia’s wine regions and supply chain.

The executive committee was announced at SAWIA’s annual general meeting on October 6, which reflected on the Association’s activities, achievements and advocacy during 2025/26.

The executive committee is comprised from the SAWIA membership and consists of seven area representatives nominated by South Australia’s main wine regional associations, and six representatives from SAWIA’s broader membership.

Members of the SAWIA Executive Committee for 2026/27 are:

• Kirsty Balnaves, Balnaves of Coonawarra, Coonawarra Grape & Wine (President)
• Tom Keelan, The Pawn Wine Co, Langhorne Creek Grape & Wine
  (Vice President)
• Paul Zerella, Project Wine
• Anthony Catanzariti, Treasury Wine Estates
• Danielle Arnfield, Vinarchy
• Louisa Rose, Hill-Smith Family Estates
• Jeremy Blanks, Tarac
• Lucy Clements, Freestone Estate
• Olivia Hoffmann-Barry, Jim Barry Wines, Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association
• Ben Riggs, Mr Riggs Wine Co, McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association
• Brigid Nolan, The Wine Group, Riverland Wine Industry Development Council
• Alex Trescowthick, Trescowthick Wines, Adelaide Hills Wine Region
• Matthew McCulloch, Langmeil Winery, Barossa Grape & Wine Association

Ms Balnaves thanked the members of the committee who volunteer their time and lead SAWIA with accountability and foresight, delivering value to members.

“The strength of the executive committee is its direct connection to the industry it represents,” Ms Balnaves said.

“These people are living and breathing South Australian grapes and wine. They understand firsthand the decisions growers and wine businesses are making because they are facing the same challenges and opportunities in their own businesses.

“That industry knowledge helps shape what SAWIA advocates for, where we invest our resources and the programs and services we deliver for members and the South Australian wine industry.”