Peter Gago named global ambassador for South Australia

Penfolds’ chief winemaker, Peter Gago, has become the first ambassador of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWCGN), helping to help champion South Australia, which joined the organisation last year.

Penfolds’ chief winemaker Peter Gago

Established in 1999, the GWCGN is an international association of members whose wine regions are recognised as “significant economic and cultural assets”, with member cities working to champion wine tourism in their regions.

Other regions to have joined the network include San Francisco/Napa Valley (US), Bordeaux (France), Bilbao/Rioja (Spain), Cape Town (South Africa), Mainz/Rheinhessen (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), Valparaìso/Casablanca Valley (Chile), and Verona (Italy).

Gago’s appointment to the role of Adelaide/South Australia’s Great Wine Capitals Global Ambassador – the first of several planned ambassadorships – follows Adelaide’s (South Australia) induction into the network in July 2016.

The Global Ambassador Program will see the appointment of wine and tourism leaders from each member city in an effort to increase opportunities for collaboration and to boost the profile of the network.

“Adelaide, South Australia’s membership to the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network, presents so many exciting possibilities and I’m honoured to be involved as the global ambassador for South Australia,” said Gago of his appointment.

“Elevating the state’s wine profile on an international stage increases the exposure for our premium wine labels and raises the bar for us as a wine capital – we’re now benchmarking against regions like Bordeaux and this gives us the opportunity to learn from their experience and insights.”

In addition, a new partnership has also been announced between the University of Adelaide and KEDGE Business School Bordeaux, a direct result of Adelaide’s membership in the GWCGN, which will see students, teachers and researchers able to participate in joint projects, study tours and overseas exchange programmes.

Professor Mark Gabbott, dean of business at the University of Adelaide Business School, said the partnership signalled a “new era” for South Australia’s wine industry.

“The partnership provides our industries with opportunities to build relationships with one of the world’s most renowned wine regions, and opens the door for international industry placements and access to global leaders in wine business,” he said.

“It may be, the most exciting outcomes of this partnership are those we are yet to discover; knowledge sharing and research collaboration ensure endless possibilities. As this partnership grows, so too will its potential, providing our current and future students with an unparalleled offering.”