Rachel Triggs, independent chair of the Wine Grape Council of South Australia. Image supplied
The Wine Grape Council of South Australia (WGCSA) has announced the appointment of Rachel Triggs as its new independent chair.
WGCSA represents South Australian winegrape growers, providing a unified voice on industry policy, market conditions, biosecurity and long-term sector sustainability.
The council’s current strategic priorities focus on effective advocacy, stronger collaboration across the wine value chain, and practical knowledge building to support grower resilience during a period of significant industry adjustment.
Triggs’ appointment comes at a critical time for South Australian grapegrowers, as the sector navigates market pressure and regulatory change, including the national review of the Code of Conduct for Winegrape Purchases. WGCSA said her experience across winemaking, law, industry regulation, governance and advocacy “strongly aligns” with its strategy and commitment to clear, credible and grower-focused representation.
Triggs praised WGCSA for its clear strategy and strong advocacy, and said she was grateful to the committee for the opportunity to serve.
“South Australia’s growers are the backbone of our national wine sector, and I am committed to supporting their long-term resilience and prosperity through this plan,” said Triggs.
“The sector is in a period of major adjustment, and growers need advocacy that is not only effective and collaborative but driven by genuine belief in the people and the craft behind our vineyards,” she continued. “I care deeply about this industry and the grower community, and WGCSA’s priorities reflect that: strengthening commercial transparency, building productive relationships across the value chain, and ensuring growers have the insight and tools they need to adapt and succeed. Building on the work of others, I am committed to elevating grower voices, constructively challenging the status-quo within the industry, and bringing together passionate people to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for growers”.
Outgoing interim chair Lachlan Allen welcomed the appointment, saying Triggs’ skills and leadership would deliver strong outcomes for growers.
“Rachel brings exactly the mix of industry insight, governance capability and advocacy experience needed to lead WGCSA at this time,” said Allen. “This is an excellent appointment for South Australian grapegrowers, and one that will strengthen the council’s ability to deliver practical, grower-focused outcomes.”
The WGCSA Committee welcomed Triggs’ appointment, noting her strong alignment with the council’s strategic priorities and its ongoing commitment to effective, well-governed representation for South Australian wine grape growers.
Triggs will join the following WGCSA Committee members:
Lachlan Allen – Adelaide Hills
Adrian Hoffmann – Barossa
James Meyer – Clare Valley
Martin Wirper – Coonawarra
Jenny Venus – Langhorne Creek
Helen Strickland – Limestone Coast
Steve Fox – McLaren Vale
Amanda Dimas – Riverland
Nick Price – Independent member
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