Wine Act 2003: Verification entry meeting checklist

  • Conduct an‘Entry meeting’with the WSMP operator/winemaker before commencing each verification.
  • Discuss and record the following agenda items as relevant. Note: Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 can be recorded in Page 2 of the verification report and return template, version 2.

Winery name
WSMPID
Persons present
Verification date
Agenda Item / Main points to cover
  1. Orientation & familiarisation
/ Discuss:
  • Winery OSH/hygiene requirements
  • Processingtimes, shifts, throughput
  • Arrange for familiarisation with the winery layout, key personnel

  1. Confirm types of wine made
/
  • still wine
  • sparkling wine
  • fortified wine
  • wine product
  • wine-based liqueur
  • fruit wine (incl cider & mead)

  1. Confirm winemaking processes
/ Confirm winery operations, e.g.:
  • receipt of grapes: own or purchased
  • receipt ofjuice/wine/fruit wine/concentrate: own or purchased
  • any imported juice/wine/fruit wine/concentrate purchased
  • making wine, whatvarieties
  • contract winemaking, for whom, what wines
  • bottling on-site / off-site (at contract bottlers)
  • contract bottlingfor clients
  • storage on-site/off-site

  1. Check whether there are any changes to what is listed in WSMP registration – ask WSMP operator to complete appropriate form or advise WSMP operator to contact MPIfor further advice
/
  • Change to business name, address
  • Changes to types of wine made
  • Changes to winemaking processes
  • Changes to site plan i.e. new buildings,
  • Change of recognised agency
  • Change of WSMP operator
  • Other changes

  1. Check whether grape wine is being exported
/
  • Confirm if exporting/intending to export
  • Confirm export markets and relevant OMARs (EU, USA, Brazil, specified countries for ice wine)
  • Export requirements will be checked during the verification

  1. Check whether fruit wine is being exported
/
  • Confirm that exporter registration for fruit wine is held by registered WSMP operator (if the WSMP operator is exporting)

  1. Verifier responsibilities and duties
/
  • Advise operator of verifier duties and responsibilities.
  • Confirm the verification activities you are recognised to undertake.
  • Confirm the scope of the verification (traceability is always included. Export requirements are also included if wine is intended for export).

  1. WSMP operator responsibilities and duties
/ Confirm the WSMP operator is familiar with their duties and responsibilities
  • Operator Duties - Wine Act, section 13
  • Exporter Duties – Wine Act,section 40
  • wine made under contract for clients and exported by others

  1. Verifier rights
/
  • Confirm operator is aware of the verifier rights (WSMP outline section 6)
  • Discuss how verifier rights will be applied.
  • Discuss the role of wine officers.

  1. Discuss the verification process
/
  • Gather objective evidence (questions, listening, observation)
  • Assign a verification outcome – acceptable, unacceptable, critical non-compliance
  • Management of non-compliances – corrective action requests and close out dates
  • Follow-up action
  • WSMP operator’s right of appeal
  • Performance based verification – annual if exporting or intending to export, PBV at discretion of verifier
  • Reporting to WECS/MAF
  • Unscheduled verification

Wine verification: entry meeting checklistVersion 2: April 2012