Brigid Nolan has been appointed as the new Chair of Riverland Wine following Jim Markeas’ decision to retire from the role.
In the new role, the General Manager of The Wine Group’s ANZ business will work with Amanda Dimas, who has been re-elected as Chair of the Riverland Winegrape Growers Association (RWGA), in representing the region responsible for 27.9 per cent of all Australian wine in vintage 2025.
Nolan brings with her more than 15 years of South Australian wine industry experience across Treasury Wine Estates, Kingston Estate Wines, Dominic Wines, and Riverland Négociants. Since 2021, she has been with The Wine Group, where she is currently the General Manager and Director of its Australian business operations.
In the same announcement, Riverland Wine also announced the retirement of Peter Hill from his position on the Riverland Wine Board but not from his position on the RWGA Board.
Following an election process, Courtney Hume has been named as the fourth RWGA representative on the Riverland Wine Board, joining Philip Smith and Harry Magiarapis, while Lucy Clements and Jim Godden will remain as winery representatives.
Upon accepting her post, the new Chair of Riverland Wine expressed her thanks to the Board “for its support and for standing with Riverland growers and wineries during what are undeniably challenging and critical times.
“The resilience of this region is built on people who continue to adapt, persevere and support one another through difficult years, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the long‑term sustainability and future of Riverland growers and wineries,” continued Nolan, who is also on the board of The South Australian Wine Industry Association.
She also acknowledged Jim Markeas for his time and leadership as Chair. Moving forward, Markeas will continue to serve as a Director on the Riverland Wine Board.
Amanda Dimas, a grape grower based in Renmark, echoed a similar sentiment to Nolan
“Growers across the Riverland are facing one of the most complex and challenging periods our industry has ever seen. In times like these, strong, united representation is not just important it is essential.”
She continued: “I am deeply committed to ensuring growers’ voices are heard, respected, and kept at the centre of every conversation. Together, we will continue to advocate for fair, sustainable and profitable outcomes that support our members, our communities, and the long-term future of the Riverland’s wine making and grape growing industry.”
A letter to the Premier:
In late 2025, Markeas and Dimas co-penned an open letter to the South Australian Premier calling for urgent and immediate government-led action in the region.
In it, they outlined the dire situation facing many growers in the region that are facing the third or fourth vintages of earnings per tonne being significantly lower than the costs of production.
Dimas and Markeas state: “The toll on mental health is escalating. We are seeing exhaustion, hopelessness, and in too many cases, silence from people who feel unseen and unheard. When farmers stop believing they have a future, whole towns suffer. Schools, local businesses, sporting clubs, and service organisations all feel the shockwaves.”
In late 2025, Drinks Trade visited the Riverland to learn about the challenges of making profitable wine at scale and sustainably at Oxford Landing Wines. Insights into production can be viewed here.
Additionally, insights into the winery’s sustainability initiatives can be viewed on pages 162-167 of Drinks Annual 2026.
A partnership between the Riverland Winegrape Growers Association and the Riverland Wine Industry Development Council, Riverland Wine is the face of the Riverland wine industry and proudly represents the region’s winegrape growers and wineries.
Dining and Cooking