Leading winemaking family changes channels

This is a huge story for anyone involved in the wine industry but of minor interest to wine lovers, so drinkers can look away now.

Eden Valley-based Henschke, among Australia's leading family wine producers and with 150 years of history, will be distributed by Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist from 2022.

Henschke was for many years distributed by Tucker Seabrook/Fine Wine Partners and then by House of Fine Wine, a collaboration between Société Jacques Bollinger of France; Henschke and Villa Maria of New Zealand that was established in 2017.

“We are delighted and honoured to welcome Henschke into the Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist portfolio," said Gary Crawford, CEO of Joval Wines.

“Henschke will become one of our cornerstone brands in the Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist portfolio alongside some of the world’s greatest family-owned wine brands.

“As custodians of some the country’s oldest vines, producers of nation-defining wines and innovators for a sustainable future, we admire the Henschke family as people of both principle and action.

"We are looking forward to working closely with Stephen and Prue, the next generation and the wider Henschke team for many years to come."

In recent years, Stephen (fifth-generation winemaker) and Prue (viticulturist) Henschke have welcomed their adult children, Johann, Justine and Andreas into the family business.

“As we embark on a new chapter, we would like to thank House of Fine Wine for their dedication and contribution while representing Henschke in our home market,” said Stephen Henschke.

“We are pleased to form a new distribution partnership with one of Australia’s most reputable and dynamic fine wine businesses, Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist, part of Joval Wines. Their enduring values and commitment to the premium wine trade align with our family business, and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship, servicing our loyal customers throughout Australia.”

Mezzanine represents brands from around the world, including Champagne Taittinger, Cullen, Craggy Range, Nanny Goat Vineyard, Tar & Roses, Yangarra, Burlotto and AIX Rose.