Since 1840, the association has been the peak body representing the winegrape growers and winemakers of South Australia.  A not for profit incorporated association, funded by voluntary member subscriptions, grants and fee for service activities, our mission is to provide leadership and services which underpin the profitability, sustainability and international competitiveness of our members. 

The association provides practical information and advice to members on a wide range of topics - industrial relations , OHS, environment, viticulture and export, to name a few. Expert advice is just a phone call away or consultation at your premises can be arranged.  The latest information, reports, resources and support tools are available in the members area.  Read More...

25 February - Updated Treated Timber Guidelines - The Treated Timber Waste Management Guidelines, released in December 2009, have been updated in January 2010.  The changes made clarify the definition of general environmental duty as defined by the Environment Protection Act 1993 in respect of burning, and also provide specific requirements for testing laboratories and disposal sites.  A laboratory testing ash residues in the event of a burnt stockpile must be NATA accredited, and waste disposal facilities receiving such residues must be licensed by the EPA to do so.

The Guidelines address many of the risks and hazards associated with the management of treated timber, especially used CCA (copper chromate arsenate) vineyard posts. They also set out the recommended practices for storage and transport management in an easy to read tabular format. These practices are based on a risk analysis that was conducted using a wide range of available research and reference data that is also provided. Read More

25 February - Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Survey 2010  - We encourage you to register your interest to participate!  The South Australian Wine Industry Association is undertaking the 10th annual Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Survey following the success of each of the surveys conducted since 2000.  The survey will report salary data on a national and state basis and it is now acknowledged that this survey provides valuable factual information about the wine industry’s salary and benefits practices and trends. Please find attached an invitation to participate in the 2010 Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Survey which outlines information on the salary and benefits survey, the cost of the survey if you participate, the timetable, and our contact details.                YES, I would like to participate.   ODER YOUR COPY HERE

28 January - Phylloxera detection near Mansfield Victoria The CEO of the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia (PGIBSA) Mr Alan Nankivell announced today that the Board has been advised by Department of Primary Industries – Victoria (DPI-Vic) of a confirmed detection of phylloxera in a vineyard near Mansfield Victoria, in what was a PRZ region.Read More 

22 January - Grape Harvest - break the cycle of overloading and driver fatigueThis year’s grape harvest is about to begin. The State Government is working together with the wine and heavy vehicle industries to ensure all parties understand their responsibilities in regards to load restrictions and driver fatigue.

As you would know, the grape harvest is a busy period for all parts of the wine industry including grape growers and drivers, which is why it’s important for operators to act in accordance with road laws to ensure this harvest is a safe one. Read More...

4 January 2009 – Reminder that Modern Awards & the National Employment Standards (NES) operate from 1 January 2010  Just a reminder to members operating in the Federal industrial relations system that Modern Awards and the National Employment Standards (NES) apply from 1 January 2010. Modern Awards and the NES form the minimum “safety net” entitlements for all employees in the national industrial relations system.  Transitional provisions apply to modern awards which explain how employers will deal with increases and decreases to monetary provisions when compared to the Pre-Reform Federal Award or NAPSA. While modern awards commence on 1 January 2010, transitional provisions commence from 1 July 2010 allowing increases/decreases to monetary provisions to be phased in over a five year period.

For more information, copies of relevant modern awards and the NES go the Employee Relations > Modern Award & NES page of the SAWIA website. (members only)

11 Nov 2009 - SAWIA launches the Wine Industry Job Dictionary  SAWIA, through its Occupational Health & Safety Committee, has developed a wine industry specific “Job Dictionary” of 18 jobs that are typical of work performed in the industry. Employers Mutual provided funding via its “member incentive program” that enabled the research and production of the job dictionary. Read More…

29 Oct 2009 - SAWIA raised in Parliament  The premiers response to a question raised in State Parliment regarding the wine industry sector agreement read more...