The Hill-Smith family has been an important part of Australian wine industry history for more than 170 years, spanning six generations.
What began as a single brand with Yalumba has evolved over the years to include a number of different renowned wine brands and distributors. And now, it has announced an evolution of a different kind, revealing its new name – Hill-Smith Family Estates.
Chairman and fifth-generation Proprietor, Robert Hill-Smith, said the name change positions the business for future generations while also acknowledging how far and diverse it has already become.
“We have come a long way since 1849, when my great-great-grandfather purchased a modest 10-acre plot of land near Angaston, in what is now Eden Valley,” Hill-Smith said.
“We have evolved from a single brand at Yalumba to a family of wine brands and businesses; made of many parts all linked to our commitment to and enjoyment of wine.”
Key moments in the history of the company include the establishment of fine wine distribution business Samuel Smith & Son in 1923, followed by Negociants Australia and Negociants International in the 1980s. Since 1995 it has also invested in the Yalumba Nursery, a world-class vine cultivation at Vine Vale in the Barossa.
All parts of these ventures will be incorporated under the new inclusive name of Hill-Smith Family Estates, alongside its iconic wine brands such as Yalumba, Jansz Tasmania, Pewsey Vale Vineyard, Heggies Vineyard, Oxford Landing, Dalrymple Vineyards, Nautilus Estate of Marlborough and more.
“Hill-Smith Family Estates represents us as a proud wine family, reflecting the generations of innovation and pioneering spirit of our forebears that have led us to where we sit in the wine universe today,” said Hill-Smith.
“We pride ourselves on our family heritage and our connection to people, but above all the burning desire to remain a sustainable and successful family-owned wine business for generations to come.
“We have our sights set on the next 170 years with determination to continue a legacy and secure our family’s future in the wine world, whilst excited by the possibilities for our future generations at Hill-Smith Family Estates.”
Managing Director, Nick Waterman, also reflected on the company’s progress over the years and how the new name will assist future development.
“While much has changed for us over the years, the Hill-Smith Family has continuously nurtured, protected and guided the business to succeed today and for future generations,” he said.
“We are very proud of the diversity of our business and our contribution to the wine community. Hill-Smith Family Estates enables our wine brands and distribution businesses to retain their individual identities and at the same time provide us with a stage to show how they are all connected.”