MVGWTA Staff

Erin Leggat

Chief Executive Officer

Erin Leggat joined McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association (MVGWTA) as the Chief Executive Officer in February 2022. Prior to joining MVGWTA Erin spent ten years with the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including as Deputy Director of the DFAT South Australia State Office. Erin has a significant background in trade and investment policy, advocacy and commercial diplomacy, including on behalf of the Australian wine industry.

For the last 5 years Erin has been closely involved with the wine sector, including during her overseas postings. Her most recent role in South Australia enabled her to consult closely with SA government, industry associations and export businesses, conducting outreach and analysis to support informed national trade policy and facilitate new market opportunities.

Erin will work alongside members, staff and stakeholders to further promote McLaren Vale’s reputation for premium winemaking and excellence in innovation, sustainability and experiential tourism, particularly internationally.

Samantha Davidson

Trade Marketing Manager

Samantha Davidson joined McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism in July 2022 as Trade Marketing Manager. Samantha is a marketing professional with strong focus on brand growth, people and relationship management. Samantha brings a wealth of experience to the MVGWTA team and has worked in the wine industry for over a decade with experience at some of McLaren Vale’s leading brands.

Jodie Armstrong

Grower Engagement Officer

Jodie Armstrong joined McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association in July 2022 as Grower Engagement Officer.

Jodie, a Viticulturalist and Winemaker, has worked in the McLaren Vale wine region for the past 25 years enjoying all aspects of viticulture and small batch wine making. In the role as Grower Engagement Officer, Jodie will use her broad understanding of viticulture and the region to help build grape grower knowledge and capacity, with the aim of continued development of a sustainable wine grape community.

Laura Killick

Digital Communications Officer

Laura Killick joined the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism team in September 2022 as Digital Communication Officer.

Laura has worked in design and marketing for the past 13 years both in the UK and in South Australia as well as, most recently, within the McLaren Vale wine industry. Laura is excited to apply her skills to help promote the McLaren Vale region and MVGWTA members’ businesses.

Carly De Blasio

Wine Tourism Officer

Tourism is my passion and I have worked in the Tourism industry for the past 8 years within both the Domestic and International Sectors (minus 18 months away from the industry during COVID). I love the way tourism can connect people and cultures and love to experience what a destination has to showcase. In my spare time I love to indulge in a good food and wine experiences, so I am excited to be working in a region so well known for this.