10 minutes with… Great Wine Capitals President Jo Collins
We speak to the new President of Great Wine Capitals about the South Australian wine industry.
You’ve been integral in Adelaide’s membership status of Great Wine Capitals (GWC). Why did you feel this was an important group to be a part of, and what benefits does the industry get out of it?
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network was established in 1999 in Bordeaux where they had the bold vision to create a network of great wine-producing regions across the world to work in collaboration rather than in competition – working together with a spirit of cooperation to support and learn from each other through common challenges and opportunities. Twenty-five years on, we have a thriving alliance of wine regions spanning 12 countries across the globe.
Since Adelaide was unanimously accepted into the network in 2016, we have been very active members and created many opportunities – particularly around capacity building for the South Australian industry, such as through the Outbound Knowledge Exchange program. We recently announced the latest cohort of eight talented recipients who will travel to Hawke’s Bay, Napa Valley, Porto and Bordeaux thanks to our connections through the network, and then bring back their insights and experiences for the benefit of our local industry.
Other signature initiatives include the Great Wine Capitals Executive Business Program delivered by Adelaide University, Best Of Wine Tourism Awards and the Wine Media Cadet Program, which is supporting the next generation of wine communicators.
In addition, as part of our partnership with Bordeaux’s iconic La Cité du Vin world wine museum, South Australian wineries currently featured at the museum – which hosts 400,000 visitors annually – include Penfolds, Bremerton Wines, Claymore Wines, Freestone Estate, Knappstein Wines, Laughing Jack Wines, Saint-Clar Estate, Sidewood Estate, St Mary’s Vineyard Penola, and Wirra Wirra.
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As the newly elected President of GWC, what are your priorities?
It’s a real honour and privilege to be elected to lead such an extraordinary alliance of wine regions. Together, the network represents some of the world’s most inspiring wine destinations, and by sharing what we know, we make each other stronger. I am looking forward to building on that spirit of cooperation as we take the Network into its next chapter – particularly in relation to many of the global challenges that the industry is facing.
I was really pleased that my first official role as President was to welcome Yantai, China, as the first ever Observer Member of the Network, reflecting a continued commitment to global inclusion and emerging wine regions. It was a particularly fitting opportunity given South Australia and Shandong Province will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their Sister State relationship in 2026.
Will you be able to bat for South Australia in the role?
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Absolutely. I have long been a passionate advocate and champion for elevating South Australia’s premium wine, food and agriculture on the global stage. I am particularly proud to have developed a close relationship with the wine industry over many years, and while the industry is currently experiencing some significant challenges, we are still indisputably Australia’s wine state and South Australians feel a great sense of pride in that.
Now, more than ever, as this network thrives on collaboration over competition, and on the exchange of ideas and shared learning through both challenges and opportunities, there’s no better moment to be part of this global alliance.
The South Australian wine industry is currently facing numerous issues. Are these problems unique to South Australia or do you see other GWC members facing similar issues?
These are absolutely shared challenges – climate change and adaptation, increasing biosecurity threats, market access complexities, social licence and shifting consumer behaviours – so the opportunity for even greater collaboration is immense. Our collective expertise is a powerful asset.
What can GWC do in terms of knowledge sharing to overcome some of the most problematic issues faced by the sector?
One of the most meaningful aspects of the network is the genuine partnerships we’ve cultivated. Our collaboration with Napa Valley during times of crisis – particularly during devastating fire seasons – has exemplified the spirit of solidarity and knowledge-sharing that defines us. Similarly, during COVID-19, we were able to connect regularly online and share how we were navigating the challenges – and sharing the new initiatives we were putting in place. These exchanges have also led to commercial outcomes and deeper mutual understanding. At the past two Great Wine Capitals Global Network Conferences, global oversupply and social licence have featured on the agenda, and this is an area where there are myriad opportunities for sharing knowledge and collaboration.
Where do you see opportunities for South Australian wine businesses?
One of our flagship initiatives is the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, and we have now delivered them for a decade in Adelaide, recognising close to 50 wineries and wine tourism operators for their excellence and innovation. Entering the awards is a fantastic way to access local, national and international attention. It was fantastic to see McLaren Vale’s Maxwell Wines recently take out a global award at the awards in Bordeaux. We will soon be launching the second edition of a short executive program with Adelaide University for early to mid-career wine industry leaders to help them upskill in wine business and wine tourism to set themselves up for the future. Great Wine Capitals Adelaide offers a number of scholarships to talented candidates, and I encourage people to take advantage of this excellent program.
It’s also important to note that Adelaide’s membership in the network is a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, the SA Wine Industry Association, the South Australian Tourism Commission and the University of Adelaide. Bringing together government, industry and education strengthens our position both at home and globally – and we welcome other partners that can both contribute to and benefit from our membership.
