Australian wine industry stalwarts granted national honours

Ross Brown AM (left) and Alister Purbrick AM (right)

Two stalwarts of the Australian wine industry, Ross Brown of Brown Family Wine Group and Alister Purbrick of Tahbilk, have been appointed as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of their significant contributions to the Australian wine industry.

Both men are long-standing members and former board directors of Australian Grape & Wine, and the industry body expressed its pride in acknowledging the recent honours awarded to its members.

“On behalf of Australian Grape & Wine, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Purbrick and Mr. Brown on their well-deserved honours,” said Lee McLean, chief executive of Australian Grape & Wine. “Their unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have significantly shaped the Australian wine industry, inspiring peers and setting benchmarks for excellence.”

“The Australian wine industry proudly celebrates the contributions of these outstanding leaders. It is fitting that their dedication and achievements are recognised at the highest level, reflecting the pivotal role they have played in shaping our sector’s success”.

*Alister Purbrick. Image courtesy Tahbilk*

Mr. Alister John Purbrick AM

Mr. Purbrick has been a pivotal figure in the Australian wine landscape. Serving as President of the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) from 1999 to 2001, he played a crucial role in shaping industry policies and advocating for winemakers nationwide. Beyond his tenure with WFA, Mr. Purbrick was the inaugural Chairman of Australia’s First Families of Wine from 2006 to 2010, promoting the heritage and quality of Australian family-owned wineries on both national and international stages. In 2012, he was honoured with the Len Evans Wine Industry Leadership Award, underscoring his enduring commitment to industry excellence. Leading his family’s Tahbilk Group since 1978, Mr. Purbrick has been instrumental in establishing the winery as one of the most environmentally sustainable producers globally.

*Ross Brown. Image courtesy Brown Family Wine Group*

Mr. Ross Mathews Brown AM

Mr. Brown’s dedication to the wine industry is equally commendable. As Executive Director of Brown Family Wine Group, he has been a driving force behind the company’s growth and its emphasis on innovation and quality. His leadership has been pivotal in navigating challenges and exploring new markets, particularly in Asia, the UK, and the US. Mr. Brown has consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration among family wine companies to effectively re-enter the Chinese market and expand globally.