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Growers Wine Group relaunches as Freestone Estate
Having changed its structure and management, Freestone Estate is looking to new ranges and organic conversion.
Growers Wine Group, based in Riverland, South Australia, has announced a rebrand to mark the next stage in its development. Now known as Freestone Estate, the relaunch marks the culmination of a number of changes at the company.
Although originally established as a co-operative, the winery is now under family ownership. The name change therefore offers a clear change in its evolution as a company.
Freestone Estate has also seen notable changes in its leadership. Lucy Clements took the role of CEO in late 2022, bringing with her 24 years of experience across the wine trade. Her journey to Freestone Estate spanned four continents, working for companies including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Coles, Accolade Wines and Champagne Taittinger.
Meanwhile Mel Kargas, the chief winemaker who joined in 2024, has been making wine for more than 20 years. That work has sent her around the world although Australia and, in particular, Riverland are areas of special expertise.
Sally Tillbrook has also joined as chief financial officer, completing what the announcement describes as “a dynamic team of female leaders”.
“This rebrand is an opportunity to step into a brighter future while honouring our roots in the Riverland,” says Clements. “We’re proud to build on a legacy of five generations of farming and showcase the exceptional wines and people of this region to the world.”
Freestone Estate operates from its winery in Wairekie, around two hours’ drive northeast of Adelaide. Its vineyards span the Riverland region.
In its previous guise, the company produced wines for a range of international clients, winning awards in the process. It now intends to continue that work, producing bulk and bottled wines, as well as offering bulk wine storage. In addition to these contracted activities, it has plans to launch a premium range of estate wines in 2025.
The estate also plans to focus further on sustainability. Having already received certifications from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, it is now working towards organic certification.
“Freestone Estate is a celebration of everything the Riverland has to offer – its landscapes, its people, and its wines,” summarises Clements. “This is more than a new name; it’s the start of a bold new chapter that will see us share the region’s extraordinary story with the world.”
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