Last issue, I asked our readers to send in any feedback they liked. The results were most gratifying and a bottle of VOC Semillon was awarded to Mrs Ann-Maree Ward of Toowoomba, Queensland, for her thoughts on our grape juice.

As we reflect on the 30th birthday of Voyager Estate, I feel very lucky that we have achieved a marvellous reputation for quality and high standards, winning numerous awards in one form or another. Our winemaker, Cliff Royle, has been a Winemaker of the Year and the vineyard team, led by Steve James, has been recognised with a Viticultural Excellence Award. Our restaurant in particular has garnered an incredible number of awards, the most prestigious of which being the Gold Plate Prix d’Honneur award which was received by Nigel Harvey in front of 1200 of his peers on October 20th this year. It is a remarkable achievement as it is awarded on a blind selection basis and is the second Prix d’Honneur award won by Voyager Estate. Nigel, who celebrated his fifth anniversary with us last month, has done as excellent job in upgrading our restaurant standards to the point of national recognition.

But I am always circumspect about our success. There is nothing more damaging than over-confidence. It is one of the most destructive traits one can have.

History is littered with failed companies long on experience believing in their invincibility. Experience can be disastrous as experienced people, while clearly being knowledgeable, also bring their bad experiences with them. To avoid this we often recruit people from outside the industry. Our new sales and marketing manager, Karin Guder, is one such person. Previously with Colgate-Palmolive, she brings an entirely new perspective to Voyager Estate and in doing so, will broaden the company’s intellectual approach to marketing. Sam Walsh, CEO of Rio Tinto, came from the car industry and Michael Chaney, Chairman of NAB, is a geologist. As valid as experience is, it is talent that successful companies need, as well as imagination, enthusiasm, the ability to think laterally and to get organised.

So what I’m really saying is, we really appreciate constructive feedback – feedback that will tell us where to improve.

It is essential we keep in touch with the real world by looking for and receiving feedback about our products and services. In particular we need evidence. With screw caps replacing cork, product faults are likely to be man-made. If you find fault with a Voyager Estate product, please return it to my attention. I am very proud of what we have achieved and I want to ensure that we maintain our quality standards of excellence that the staff have worked so hard to achieve. You can help considerably by keeping an eye on things and letting me know when we are below standard.

And the year is shaping up to be another 2007. Good winter rains followed by an even spring growth give every indication of another splendid year. Thanks for what you have done for Voyager Estate. Your loyalty is truly appreciated.

Michael Wright

Proprietor