Following April’s announcement that the Calabria Family Wines would purchase McWilliam’s Wines, the deal has finally been completed.
As the purchase finally settles, Winemaker and Managing Director of Calabria Family Wines has written a letter welcoming McWilliam’s to the group.
“To our friends in the Australian wine industry, we are pleased to share with you that Calabria Family Wines’ purchase of McWilliam’s Wines is now complete,” Calabria wrote.
He added: “Both of our families have a rich heritage, contributing much to the Australian wine industry and the Riverina wine region. While the recent acquisition closes a difficult period for the McWilliam family, I speak for everyone in the Calabria family that we aim to respect their many contributions to the growth of Australian wine and champion the unique attributes that have made the McWilliam’s name celebrated around the world.
“Since our own founding 75 years ago, the supportive relationships with our Riverina neighbours have always been an important part of our journey, not least with the McWilliam family. The McWilliam’s were instrumental in helping my father, Francesco Calabria, in establishing our vineyard and winery. I know that it’s in this spirit that Frank, Michael, Andrew and Elizabeth are proud and honoured to be working with Scott McWilliam and the rest of the family to bring both of our businesses together in the best way possible.
“Over the next four weeks, our focus will be to integrate each McWilliam’s Wines business department into our own – from production and sales to marketing and operations. We aim to align all systems to work together, while both brands maintain their unique identities.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure we are both on a path to prosperity. Combined, McWilliam’s and Calabria have over two centuries of winemaking experience and excellence – and it’s our goal to give the utmost respect to that. While these businesses will continue to operate as two entities, both families will work together – stronger as one.
“Importantly, all distribution enquiries will now be handled directly through Calabria Family Wines. For any requests, please contact customer service at 1800 800 584.
“We will update you with any further developments as they occur, but for now, we wanted to share our excitement as the Calabria and McWilliam family enter a new era in our Australian wine journey.”
In April, after the deal was announced, third-generation Sales & Marketing Manager Andrew Calabria, told The Shout it was very exciting for the Calabria family to bring the McWilliams wines into its portfolio.
“McWilliam’s is not only significant for the whole Australian wine industry, but for us being a Riverina-based business, the importance of McWilliam’s in the Riverina… I think people have said they don’t realise how symbolic it is, but there is no wine industry in the Riverina without them.”
Calabria Family Wines have taken ownership of the McWilliam’s brands, intellectual property, and stock holdings as well as the Hanwood vineyard, winery and cellar door, while Sydney-based Medich family has taken ownership of the Mount Pleasant winery.