New COWA President

14 Nov 2011 -

The Central Otago Winegrowers’ Association has a new president – and he’s no stranger to the position.

Bannockburn winegrower James Dicey is the second generation of the Dicey family to be elected to the position, after his father, Robin, was president from 1996-2000.

Mr Dicey, who replaces Rippon winemaker Nick Mills, who has been president for the past three years, said he was looking forward to his new challenge.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Nick during his tenure and it will be great to have him around to provide guidance.

“Nick has set up a great platform for success with the recently completed strategic review. We will be implementing parts of these shortly, such as a project focussed on integrating with tourism operators more effectively.”

Originally a chartered accountant specialising in computer audit, Mr Dicey retrained at Lincoln University in 2005, completing the Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology.

He then joined his father in managing the family business, Grape Vision, where initially he was the operations manager, and more recently taking over the daily running of Grape Vision where he is responsible for all viticultural and operational aspects of the business.

Mr Mills said it was a sign the industry was in good health when the second generation was starting to step up to take on leading roles.

“James comes from a family of smart thinking hard grafters who are clearly committed to the region.

“His outstanding work ethic, in-depth understanding of our craft and belief in the future of winegrowing in Central Otago bodes very well for what lies ahead.’’The Central Otago Winegrowers’ Association was incorporated as a society in 1998 to represent the grape growers and wine makers of Central Otago.

Its role has evolved to planning (advocacy to local and national bodies on regulatory and planning issues), education, environmental issues, organics, the Burgundy exchange, phylloxera, co-ordinating the Central Otago wine map and providing networking/social opportunities for members.

The association currently has 142 members.