Seppeltsfield Wines has continued its program of expansion with the purchase of the Quelltaler Estate winery and vineyard in the Clare Valley.
The deal will see Seppeltsfield acquire approximately 900 acres of proprietary vineyard and lease arrangements in Watervale and Polish Hill and the existing Quelltaler 1000 Tonne winery from Treasury Wine Estates.
The original Quelltaler trademark is included in the deal, but TWE will retain ownership of the Annie’s Lane brand. The expansion into the Clare Valley follows Seppeltsfield’s purchase of the Ryecroft winery and vineyards in McLaren Vale earlier this year.
“After 15 years of difficult times, a ‘double down’, the Australian wine industry is on the rise again, mainly due to the emergence of China as a strong new market for Australian wine,” said Seppeltsfield Proprietor & Executive Chairman, Warren Randall.
“The acquisition of premium viticultural and winemaking assets at this time will support the Seppeltsfield group’s desire to increase its market share in an already rising market.”
The deal will also see TWE continue to buy wine from the Estate, as the company said in a statement to TheShout. “[TWE] confirms that the transaction also includes a long-term bulk wine supply agreement, whereby TWE will purchase luxury wine produced from the Estate’s vineyards in support of its supply strategy, and continuing the company’s association with the Clare Valley region.”
Seppeltsfield said that the cellar door site in Watervale will be closed for the time being whilst strategic planning continues for its future usage.