As a board member of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association (HVWTA) his jubilant mood was attributable to one man - the soon-to-be new chairman of the organisation.

Such was his excitement that Mr McGuigan had invited fellow vigneron, and member of the executive, Bruce Tyrrell to his home to take part in the photo opportunity.

So who’s appointment could be worthy of all this fuss?

The distinguished former state member for the Upper Hunter, George Souris, has signalled his intention to take on this role when the HVWTA hold their Annual General Meeting on September 25.

After working hard to get an historical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association (HVWTA), Cessnock City Council  and Singleton Council finalised  last the month, both men agree having Mr Souris at the helm of their organisation and the alliance, will ensure previously fragmented efforts to grow the sustainable industries, are now unified.

The purpose of the Alliance is to work collaboratively to promote, develop and advance the Hunter Valley wine and tourism industries.

Mr Souris says the agreement should not be understated as it ends the fragmented approach of the past.

And, he will now use his local knowledge and experience to make the Hunter Valley Australia’s number one tourist destination.

 “I am a local and it’s an opportunity to use some of that experience to re-instate the prominence of the Hunter Valley as the signature wine and tourism area of New South Wales,” he says.

“I am aware of the past and moving forward it is important to unite both the local government areas and the industry.”

“When I say industry, it’s the wine-making industry, the tourism industry which includes of course the wonderful selection of restaurants we have here and the local produce used, as well as other tourist facilities such as golf resorts, tour operators and accommodation.”

“As I don’t have a vested interest I can therefore bring a completely balanced focus to the task ahead.”

He views the task at hand as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

“We have to re-connect to the broader theme of the Hunter Valley and to the source of tourism which is both domestic and gateway arrivals.”

Considering we are now only 40 minutes from Newcastle and one and a half hours from Sydney this should be achievable, Mr Souris says.

An understanding of the local economy and how government works, as well as his independent status are just some of the reasons why Mr Tyrrell says George is perfect for the job.

Mr Souris was the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts in the O'Farrell government, between 2011 and 2014.

“Bloody nice bloke as well,” adds Mr McGuigan, with a chuckle.

The two giants of the Australian wine industry clearly have a deep respect for him, each other, and the land their forefathers planted some of the oldest grapes in the country, but they know there is a lot of work to be done.

Mr Tyrrell says there are two things Mr Souris will need to initially focus on.

“We need to re-build our membership base and ensure everyone is on the same page.  We have been through a difficult marriage that’s now starting to work itself out,” he explains.

“The other part of the job will be to help us get a decent amount of assistance from, and establish a closer working relationship with, destination New South Wales.”

He says there is an opportunity to make the Hunter Valley Wine and Food month a “much, much bigger” event now the Noosa Wine and Food Festival has collapsed.

A passionate Mr Mc Guigan says Australia is the greatest country on earth and this region is the best of that country.

“It is god’s own country, our fathers recognised this some time ago and we, the offspring, given the right sort of guidance with a deft hand are going to make sure the world knows that.”