South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas reaffirmed his commitment to McLaren Vale at the annual Bell Ringing Ceremony at Wirra Wirra Vineyards on Friday to mark the beginning of vintage.
The Premier announced a $250,000 commitment to Labor’s new A Stronger Future for McLaren Vale: Agriculture, Tourism and Trade Strategy, aimed at strengthening the region’s long-term prosperity through agricultural diversification, expanded market access for local producers and high-quality tourism investment.
“The Malinauskas Labor Government will work with growers, winemakers, tourism operators and the local community to enhance the region’s competitiveness and resilience in a changing global economy.
“McLaren Vale is home to something very special, which is embodied by this community. The region should be proud of what it continues to do for South Australia as a whole.”
Erin Leggat, CEO of McLaren Vale Wine Region, said the announcement was a timely and welcome vote of confidence in the region.
“McLaren Vale is operating in an exceptionally challenging global environment, and the Premier’s commitment recognises both the scale of the pressures facing our growers, winemakers and tourism operators, and the strategic importance of this region to South Australia’s economy, identity and global reputation,” Ms Leggat said.
“The $250,000 commitment to a Stronger Future for McLaren Vale Strategy provides an opportunity for our region to work collaboratively with government on the priorities that matter most right now.
“Just as importantly, it acknowledges the strength of this community and its readiness to adapt, innovate and partner for the long term.
“We look forward to working closely with the Malinauskas Government to ensure this investment delivers tangible outcomes across our region.”
The annual Bell Ringing Ceremony – using Wirra Wirra’s three-quarter tonne Angelus Bell – honours the traditions that have shaped the region since its first vintage 185 years ago.
The tradition began over 35 years ago with the late Greg Trott, modern founder of Wirra Wirra.
McLaren Vale Bushing Monarch Paddy Gilhooly of Thistledown Wines rang the bell with Premier Malinauskas while about 180 community members raised a glass and sang the traditional ‘Bushing Wassail’.
Paddy cited the raft of national and global accolades awarded to McLaren Vale Grenache wines throughout 2025 as further endorsement of McLaren Vale’s world-class fine wine reputation.
“And the region’s ability to produce world-class wines that are completely aligned with the interests of fine wine customers around the globe.
“Within each glass they find wines with a sense of place, that share our rich heritage of old vines, and that reflect the care, creativity, and dedication to quality of this community.”
Other dignatories at the ceremony included Trade Minister Joe Szakacs, Member for Mawson Leon Bignell, Mayor of the City of Onkaparinga Moira Were AM and Jenni Mitton MP the Labor candidate for Mawson.
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