Tennille Chalmers, chair of the newly formed representative body Murray Darling Wine

The Murray Darling region now has a brand-new representative body, Murray Darling Wine, which will focus on platforming the quality and individuality of the region’s wine. The grower body Murray Valley Winegrowers Incorporated (MVWI) will continue operations as normal, and Murray Darling Wine will complement the existing work of local organisations by promoting pride and integrity in its produce.

Tennille Chalmers, whose family has been farming in the Murray Darling for three generations, is the inaugural chair of the organisation, and is brimming with enthusiasm about the potential for change in the region.

“As a major player in the wine industry in Australia in terms of scale and production, we’re really looking forward to representing ourselves amongst the greater Australian wine industry,” said Chalmers.

Times have been hard for the Murray Darling region, and Chalmers is passionate about the opportunity to make a positive impact.

“We’re looking forward to being really progressive and positive, and starting to work together much more collaboratively with producers locally,” she said.

This will evolve into statewide, national and international collaborations as the organisation “gets its training wheels off”, Chalmers said.

“It’s super important to be really, really proud of the quality of wine and brands that we have out of our region and to constantly promote that.”

Dr Martin Cole, CEO of Wine Australia, welcomed the new representation for the region.

“Having worked closely with Murray Valley Winegrowers in recent years it is great see the wine makers coming together in this initiative especially at a time where we have so many challenges and opportunities ahead of us,” said Dr Cole. “This is an important region and Wine Australia looks forward to working closely with Tennille and the team in this collaborative effort.”

The Murray Darling is the centre of Australia’s ‘food bowl’, Chalmers explained, thanks in part to its proximity to the river, as well as its climate and soil profile.

“Our region is perfect for growing absolutely delicious fresh produce, and that flows through to the wine industry as well, with our terroir delivering wines with freshness, purity and intensity.” said Chalmers.

The new organisation will strive to help members work towards common goals and to ensure pride and integrity is associated with Murray Darling’s wine.

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