What is the MPVA?
The MPVA is the industry association for the wine-makers and
grape-growers of the Mornington Peninsula Wine Region.
Objectives
• To enhance the profile of the Mornington Peninsula wine region and
market it as a leading producer of high quality, maritime, cool climate wines.
• To foster the development of expertise within the industry by facilitating
technical and commercial training.
• To represent the regional industry to its various audiences, including
the local community, tourism organizations, industry bodies and Government.
• To coordinate the production of information and promotional activities
of common interest to members.
Management
The MPVA is managed by a committee elected by the Membership. The Officers
comprise: President, Vice-President, Honorary Secretary, and Honorary Treasurer.
The Committee consists of the Officers and up to four Members, who must all
be Full Members of the Association. One Associate Member is also eligible to
be elected to the Committee of Management at the AGM each year by a vote of
Members and Associates. (For this purpose, Professional Associates are included
under the category of Associate.) The Committee meets monthly. Its role is to
establish policy and provide strategic direction for the Association.
Sub-committees
The Association has a number of sub-committees, which meet regularly to discuss
issues in their particular area of interest and organise relevant activities
for the membership.
Currently, sub-committees include:
• Technical
• Promotions
• Wine quality
New sub-committees are established as required. The sub-committees report to
the Management Committee and refer to the Committee for all policy decisions.The
Region
The Mornington Peninsula enjoys a temperate maritime climate, similar to that
of the Bordeaux region of France. Virtually surrounded by sea, the area receives
good rainfall throughout the growing season, supplemented by irrigation if required,
and a high level of humidity during the summer months. The climate offers an
extended ripening period which is ideal for premium grapegrowing. The wines
produced are crisp and refreshing, with well defined fruit character and excellent
ageing potential.
History
In the 1970's several wine enthusiasts realized the potential of the Mornington
Peninsula with its maritime climate and Burgundy look-alike terrain and temperatures.
And so Baillieu Myer, Denys McCullough, Bill and Gwen Ilbrich, Brian and Gretchen
Kewley and Nat and Rosalie White, on their various properties and unknown to
one another poked in a few tentative cuttings. Word spread via the other sort
of local grapevine which was flourishing. Encouraged by the Department of Agriculture
the fledgling vignerons met, inspected the various plantings and formed what
we know today as the MPVA. The Association was incorporated in 1986. The early
meetings of the Association were devoted to sharing the knowledge possessed
by individuals and tasting the early triumphs and disasters from the infant
vines. The founding President was Gwyn Jones, Rosalie White's father, a chemist
and father of scientific wine-making on the Peninsula. In 15 years the MPVA
has grown to have a membership of 160.
Mornington Peninsula Wine Industry Partnership
The Wine Industry Partnership (WIP) was established in 2001 to consider environmental
issues and impacts of the wine industry on the Mornington Peninsula.
This Guide is the first major project of the WIP. It is for all the community.
For vineyard and winery owners and prospective owners, the Guide is a vital
tool, providing best practice guidelines and information on environmental responsibility
and government legislation. For the community, the Guide provides an insight
into the Mornington Peninsula wine industry, its economic value, its responsibilities,
its social impacts, and its environmental impact on the landscape.
Printed copies are available from the MPVA office!
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