The Australian Ark Foundation launched today aims to build global recognition of Australia’s great vineyards and fine wine.
It is a national not-for-profit founded by international wine writer and publisher Dr Angus Hughson with Andrew Caillard MW.
It brings together the leading minds in viticulture, winemaking, science, wine history, marketing and communications to elevate the stature of Australian fine wine.
The Australian Ark Foundation aims to build a greater understanding and recognition of distinguished vineyards, old vines and heirloom vinestock.
Andrew Caillard MW said, “Australia possesses the largest acreage of 19th and early 20th Century vineyards in the world.
“In addition, our heirloom vinestock material can be traced back to the late 1700s.
“These remarkable living resources profoundly reinforce Australia’s fine wine story while highlighting the far-sighted ambitions of our forefathers and mothers.
“Combined with contemporary sustainable outlooks and enlightened winemaking skills, Australia is producing exceptional fine wines with a fascinating
and uplifting back story.
“Our goal is to elevate the cause of fine Australian wine through the lens of our extraordinary vineyards and their storied wines.”
Named after the acclaimed three-volume The Australian Ark: The Story of Australian Wine 1788-2023, the Foundation has assembled a group of wine professionals, scientists, vignerons, marketers and communicators in two steering committees, dedicated to building Australia’s wine ambitions, both at home and abroad.
Board chair Louisa Rose said The Australian Ark Foundation represented a sophisticated and necessary approach to elevate the reputation of Australian wine.
“In this moment of reset in the world of wine, the time is right for Australian wine to improve its standing,” she said.
“The Foundation, created out of generosity, collaboration, foresight and a singular belief in the quality of Australia’s viticultural jewels, will bring a significant new force for the promotion of Australian wine to the world stage.”
The Foundation’s Technical Committee, also led by Rose, is developing a visionary framework which combines the story of old vines and heirloom vinestock as vital foundations to Australia’s fine wine story.
This will be launched late this year including an Australian Old Vine Charter, which incorporates historical observations and science, based on our country’s rich old vine heritage.”
The Technical Committee includes Dr Anthony Borneman, Dr Dylan Grigg, Nick Dry, Rob Mann, Rob Sutherland and Andrew Caillard MW.
“It is expanding upon existing knowledge and research to build something that is exciting, relevant and will stand the test of time,” said Rose.
The Marketing Committee, led by Dr Hughson, will develop a new global promotional platform designed to support vignerons and winegrowers by creating greater value and recognition around their fine wines and vineyards.
Members include Matt Deller MW, Stephanie Duboudin, Tijana Laganin, Eddie McDougall, Tom Portet, Emily Sharland, Chris Tyrrell and Amanda Whiteland.
Dr Hughson said Australia’s exceptional vineyards and significant viticultural lineage represent an extraordinary global proposition.
“Australia is blessed with incredible old vines, heritage vineyards and heirloom vinestock which underpin many of its world-class wines,” he said.
“Now is the time to develop a new paradigm that leverages these unique viticultural resources as a springboard to elevate Australia’s position and reshape the global perception of Australian wine while promoting our distinguished vineyards and greatest wines.”
The Australian Ark Foundation is privately funded through proceeds from The Australian Ark book sales, donations and self-funding initiatives.
All funds raised will be reinvested into initiatives that shine a light on Australia’s heritage vineyards and wines.
“And, in doing so,” Hughson said, “contribute to the promotion and advancement of Australian wine more broadly.”
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