GRIFFITH'S McWilliam's Wines will live on after being bought by another familiar winemaking name.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Riverina and Barossa Valley winemaker Calabria Family Wines has acquired a piece of Australian wine history with the purchase of McWilliam's Wines, announced today by KPMG and selling agent Colliers International.
The sale, which is set to be complete by April 30, will see the Griffith-based Calabria family take ownership of the McWilliam's brands, intellectual property, and stock holdings as well as the Hanwood vineyard, winery and cellar door.
In January it was announced the McWilliam's Wines business was aiming to provide credits a "strong return" and ongoing trade relationship, retain the winery's staff and see the winemaker recapitalised after it was placed in voluntary administration last year.
Calabria Family Wines general manager Michael Calabria said it was an honour for the business to purchase McWilliam's Wines.
"Despite recent challenges, we know the McWilliam's name carries a long and prestigious reputation as one of Australia's oldest wine producers," he said.
McWilliam's was established in 1877 and has become one of Australia's leading family-owned wineries.
We are committed to honouring the McWilliam's legacy as we bring their portfolio of outstanding wines into our very own.
- Calabria's sales and marketing manager, Andrew Calabria
With six consecutive generations of winemakers and over 140 years of experience, McWilliam's has established a range of premium vineyard holdings across the Riverina and NSW.
Calabria's sales and marketing manager, Andrew Calabria, said the company had great respect for the McWilliam family and the impact they have had on the Australian wine industry.
"Dad (Bill Calabria) loves sharing stories about the pioneering family and often spends an afternoon chatting and visiting with Jim McWilliam (who is 96-years-old).
"We are committed to honouring the McWilliam's legacy as we bring their portfolio of outstanding wines into our very own."
RELATED COVERAGE:
As part of the transition process, Calabria Family Wines will work with KPMG and McWilliam's to ensure a smooth transition as the business changes hands.
Greg McWilliam was pleased a suitable buyer had been found.
"Local members of the McWilliam family are pleased that the Hanwood winery and the McWilliam's Wines business will continue under the control of the Calabria family and that their passion for the local region, brands and history of the company will continue under their family ownership," he said.
"We have had a close and enduring relationship over many years and look forward to working with the Calabria family in the future."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.areanews.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News