Paragon Wine Estates, part of Endeavour Group, has acquired Yarra Valley winery Oakridge Wines in a deal which includes the brands and the winery, vineyards, its grape grower relationships and award-winning restaurant and cellar door.
The addition of Oakridge Wines to Paragon’s premium wine portfolio means the company now owns wineries across five Australia and New Zealand wine regions: Oakridge Wines (Yarra Valley), Chapel Hill (McLaren Vale), Isabel Estate (Marlborough, NZ); Krondorf (Barossa Valley), and Riddoch (Coonawarra).
“We are thrilled to welcome Oakridge Wines to our Paragon family and look forward to enjoying the magic that the winemaking team led by Chief Winemaker David Bicknell will create in vintages to come,” said Endeavour Group’s Managing Director Steve Donohue.
“Paragon’s ambition is to preserve the heritage of wines that have incredible provenance, to share the stories – some of which span centuries – and to make them more accessible to wine lovers throughout Australia.”
Oakridge was established in 1979 and since then has accumulated over 500 domestic and international trophies and medals plus numerous awards for hospitality at its architect-designed facility.
Oakridge Wines Chief Winemaker David Bicknell said: “Personally, it’s great to have strong support and encouragement to continue 20 years of work at Oakridge, to continue to make wines the way they should be made, and to build on our reputation as sustainable farmers.
“Joining such a large drinks business will enable us to further improve Oakridge’s fine wine credentials and realise the full potential of our vineyards and our team.”