Calabria Family Wines acquires McWilliam’s Wines

By Lisa Riley

Published: 06 April, 2021

Riverina and Barossa Valley winemaker Calabria Family Wines has acquired McWilliam’s Wines, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition, which is set to be complete by 30 April, 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.

Established in 1877, family winery McWilliam’s has established a range of premium vineyard holdings across the Riverina and New South Wales.

“It is a great honour for our family to become the proud custodians of Australian winemaking history with the purchase of McWilliam’s Wines,” said third-generation general manager at Calabria, Michael Calabria.

“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.

Fifth-generation Greg McWilliam, of McWilliam's Wines, added. “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.

“We have had a close and enduring relationship over many years and look forward to working with the Calabria family in the future.”

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.

The acquisition follows Calabria Family Wines acquiring a trio of Australian wine brands – Deakin Estate, La La Land and Azahara, from Wingara Wine Group [part of Henkell Freixenet] – in November last year.

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