Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) has launched a significant sustainability initiative in collaboration with Wine Australia, appointing Eloise Jarvis as Program Manager to lead the project. This initiative, titled the ‘sustainability adoption, certification and promotion for Western Australian wine growers and producers’ project, aims to boost the adoption of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) certification and support broader sustainability efforts within the Western Australian wine industry.
Larry Jorgensen, CEO of WoWA, highlighted that a key goal of the Western Australian Wine Industry Strategic Plan 2024–34 is for the region to gain international recognition as one of the top ten regions for sustainable wine production. To achieve this, the project will develop a practical toolkit designed to assist local wine producers in attaining sustainability certification and recognition, both domestically and internationally.
Eloise Jarvis brings over 25 years of experience in winemaking, education, and consultancy to her new role. A graduate of the Wine Australia Future Leaders program, Jarvis has a strong track record in sustainability, having previously implemented the Sustainability Action Plan for the Margaret River Wine Association. Her deep connections within the Western Australian wine community and her ongoing role in delivering the Wine Australia Next Crop program in Margaret River position her well to lead this ambitious project.
The project seeks to increase membership in Sustainable Winegrowing Australia by providing localized technical expertise and guidance, helping wine producers align their practices with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Jarvis’s approach focuses on overcoming barriers to SWA adoption by creating a framework that supports producers in meeting sustainability standards and improving their practices.
Jarvis expressed her enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with grapegrowers, wine producers, and stakeholders across the region. She sees the project as an opportunity to enhance awareness, engagement, and adoption of sustainability practices, ultimately contributing to a prosperous and resilient wine community in Western Australia.
This initiative represents a significant step forward for the Western Australian wine industry, aligning it with global sustainability trends and enhancing its reputation on the international stage. By fostering sustainable practices, the project not only supports the environment but also strengthens the economic and social resilience of the wine industry in the region.
As the project progresses, it is expected to serve as a model for other regions in Australia and beyond, demonstrating the value of sustainability in the wine industry and the benefits of collaborative efforts in achieving long-term success.
