The Foundation

The Australian Ark Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organisation, founded by Andrew Caillard MW and Dr Angus Hughson in 2026, that is dedicated to the promotion of Australia’s greatest wines and vineyards, in particular old vines and heirloom vinestock centred around the original research of Andrew Caillard published in The Australian Ark.

Our objectives are as follows:

  1. Build a framework that elevates the standing of Australian fine wine and improves the country's reputation for wine quality.

  2. Protect, Preserve and Promote Australia’s old vine heritage, heirloom vinestock and distinguished vineyards through the prism of a fine wine agenda.

  3. Develop marketing assets, promotional tools and events to support greater awareness, respect and understanding for Australia's unique viticultural assets and landmark wines.

In order to reach these objectives, the foundation will raise money from various sources including patrons, corporate sponsors and the general public combined with subscriptions from local wineries while developing relationships with strategic partners to benefit the wider industry.

Our Board of Directors will be custodians that oversee the distribution of funds and report back annually to the industry. The organisation will also rely on a small team of volunteers who will serve on committees and are leaders in key areas of our industry to oversee various elements including the technical requirements for vineyards and wines that will be promoted by The Australian Ark Foundation in addition to guiding our various strategies, projects and events. A small paid secretariat will exist to act on direction of the board and various committees with a maximum spend of 20% of the annual budget on office holders with the remaining minimum of 80% to be wholly used on improving knowledge of Australia’s unique viticultural assets and the promotion of Australian fine wine. 

Our intention is that The Australian Ark Foundation will be energetic and of long-lasting benefit to the Australian wine industry as an independent force for the promotion of Australian fine wine. It will continue to pursue its goals for decades to come, evolving and developing with the times, ensured through a mix of younger and older voices as both committee member volunteers and office holders. In addition, our small Board of Directors will have only a single Director at most over 65 years of age ensuring that it remains nimble, that no individual or individuals will ever own and or control The Australian Ark Foundation and that it is a long-term resource in service of and owned by the wine industry as a whole. In addition, it will remain true to its mission of building Australia’s fine wine credentials by protecting, preserving and promoting Australia’s old vine heritage and heirloom vinestock.