Margaret River sustainability expert Eloise Jarvis hand-picked for top Wines of WA project role

Well-known Margaret River vigneron Eloise Jarvis has been appointed to a key role overseeing a push for more wineries to achieve Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification.

The Margaret River-based consultant was previously the Margaret River Wine Association’s sustainability engagement officer and was currently delivering Wine Australia’s Next Crop program, developing the region’s future industry leaders.

In a move co-funded by Wine Australia and Wines of WA, Ms Jarvis would become the new program manager for a move described as the “sustainability adoption, certification and promotion for WA winegrowers and producers”.

Wines of WA chief executive Larry Jorgensen said the project would deliver one of the goals of the WA Wine Industry Strategic Plan 2024–34 for the State to be recognised by consumers as one of the top 10 international regions for sustainable wine production.

“This project will develop a practical toolkit (and) pathway to support WA wine producers in achieving sustainability recognition domestically and internationally,” he said.

“The primary focus will be on supporting WA wine producers to achieve Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification.”

The 25-year industry veteran Ms Jarvis said she was committed to advancing sustainability through collaboration and education.

“It’s a privilege to be selected to deliver this project,” she said.

“I’m really excited by the opportunity to collaborate with each wine region’s grape growers and wine producers and our stakeholders to increase awareness, engagement and adoption of environmental, social and governance practices that will help create a prosperous and resilient wine community.”

One of the key planks of the project was to help producers not yet part of the SWA program to overcome barriers in their operations.