Brian McGuigan and Colin Peterson have entered into an agreement to buy the ‘Ben Ean’ site at McDonalds Road in the Hunter Valley.
The site has historically been home to the Lindeman’s Cellar Door and 1843 Harvest Café, and McGuigan and Peterson will acquire the site from Treasury Wine Estates (TWE).
McGuigan and Peterson have said they will operate the site under its original ‘Ben Ean’ name, offering visitors multiple wines with a connection to the region, including Lindeman’s and several other wines from the TWE portfolio, as well as Peterson’s Savannah Estate range and products from McGuigan’s daughter – Lisa McGuigan Wines.
Commenting on the sale, Brian McGuigan said: “Colin Peterson and I are dedicated to maintaining and developing the Estate as a salute to some of the best-known wine producers of the last 170 years of viticulture and winemaking in the district. The property has produced extraordinary wines that have assisted in building the reputation of the Hunter Valley as one of the world’s highest quality wine regions.
“As local vignerons, we thank TWE for the opportunity to take ownership of this property, helping to foster the expansion of the Hunter wine industry. The heritage of the site will be protected at all costs in recognition of the great history we possess in our region.”
Angus McPherson, TWE’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, said: “After careful consideration, TWE has decided to sell this Hunter Valley site to Brian McGuigan and Colin Peterson, who we believe are well placed to leverage the significance of this local icon for the benefit of the community and the broader NSW wine industry. We wish them well in their plans for this Hunter Valley landmark.”
He added: “The sale of the site is not related to the Lindeman’s brand, which is one of our global priority brands with wines sold in many countries around the world. TWE will continue to own, make and market the Lindeman’s brand.”
The settlement is due to be completed later this month, with the new range of products in place in early October.