Casella snaps up South Australian vineyard
by Leon Gettler
In a sign the Australian wine industry is growing, Casella Family Brands, the company behind Yellow Tail, Peter Lehmann Wines and Brands Laira is expanding into South Australia.
It has reportedly paid just over the $9 million asking price for the Howcroft Estate Vineyards near South Australia's Limestone Coast.
The Howroft vineyard is located near Bordertown. It is one of the largest commercial vineyards in the district.
It comes after Casella acquired the Brand's Laira business and winery in the prestigious Coonawarra district from McWilliam's Wines in December.
Owner John Casella said the company already had vineyards in the area, in addition to the acquisition in Coonawarra.
The key behind this latest acquisition was Casella’s plans to build his presence in the more profitable premium sector.
“The reason is quite strong for the quality,’’ Mr Casella said.
“We’re building up our premium portfolio and that falls in nicely with our future intentions. It acquires a good mature grape of that quality standard that we can pour into the blends that we make or even to just prop up some of the weaker warm area blends.”
2nd February 2016
