Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards and Mike Press Winery have joined forces to acquire Gemtree’s winery facility in the McLaren Vale, where they will form a new contract wine processing business called ‘Oliver & Press Winemakers’.
The Gemtree winery facility has been in the contract processing business for around 10 years, and in fact, for a number of those years both Oliver’s Taranga and Mike Press have been making their wines there.
So, while Gemtree’s Managing Director and Chief Winemaker, Mike Brown, said it was time for him to “hang up the boots” at the facility, he is pleased to be entrusting it to two highly regarded fellow South Australian brands.
“We are pleased to hand over the facility to two of our respected clients in Oliver’s Taranga and Mike Press and wish them every success as they take the facility and team into its next chapter,” he says.
The Gemtree Wines brand, vineyards, and tasting room will be retained by husband-and-wife duo, Melissa and Mike Brown, who say it will be business as usual as they look forward to the brand’s continued growth into the future.
Melissa Brown, Gemtree’s Co-owner and Vigneron is a leader in her field and is sought after for advice and counsel on biodynamics, organics, sustainability, and regenerative farming.
Under her watchful eye, the Gemtree vineyards have been flushed with health for more than 25 years, resulting in exceptional fruit quality and outstanding wines, which are certified organic and biodynamic.
She says the sale of the winery facility will provide a great opportunity for her and Mike to continue building on the Gemtree brand and the philosophy that they’ve passionately brought to life over the years.
“We will continue to welcome visitors to the region at our Tasting Room where they can sample our wines, take a walk amongst the natural beauty of the Gemtree Eco Trail, or experience one of our award-winning biodynamic wine tours.”