Calabria swoops to buy McWilliam's Wines

Riverina and Barossa Valley winemaker Calabria Family Wines has acquired a piece of Australian wine history with the purchase of McWilliam’s Wines. 

The sale, set to be complete by April 30, was announced today by KPMG and selling agent Colliers International. It 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. 

Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley was sold to developers Medich Family. That could prove contentious. 

 

“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 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.” 

Calabria Family patriarch Bill Calabria

McWilliam’s was established in 1877 and has become one of Australia's leading family-owned wineries. 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 New South Wales. It had been in administration.

 

“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," said fifth-generation Greg McWilliams. 

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

For further information about Calabria Family Wines visit www.calabriawines.com.au.