De Bortoli acquires Rutherglen Estates

Australian producer De Bortoli has acquired Rutherglen Estates in Victoria, in a deal that includes the vineyards, winery and tourist facilities.

Although the de Bortoli family and its main winery is based in Riverina in New South Wales, it has been on a buying spree in Victoria of late, picking up properties in Yarra Valley, King Valley and Heathcote.

“As part of the business’ growth strategy and to leverage the premiumisation trend of Australian wine, most of De Bortoli Wines’ vineyard acquisition and expansion has been in the key winemaking regions of Victoria.

“The Rutherglen vineyard purchase complements the family’s existing premium Victorian vineyard holdings in the Yarra Valley, King Valley and Heathcote wine regions.

“Rutherglen Estates also provides De Bortoli Wines with a third winemaking facility in addition to the business’ Riverina and Yarra Valley sites. The proximity to its Riverina operations is also an advantage.

“Based on growing customer interest and strong sales forecasts, the De Bortoli family is confident that premium quality Victorian red wine with density, freshness and interest will increasingly be in high demand both domestically and internationally,” Darren De Bortoli family said in a statement.

As well as a range of red, white and sparkling wines, Rutherglen Estates also has a range of sweet Muscats which is something of a speciality of De Bortoli.

The purchase brings 185 hectares into De Bortoli’s portfolio and its total vineyard holdings to 820ha, 700ha producing fruit.

By 2025 estimates are that the Victorian properties alone will be producing in excess of seven million bottles.