By James Atkinson
The Grant Burge brand will benefit from broader international distribution as a result of its acquisition by Accolade Wines, says general manager Asia Pacific, Michael East.
Accolade Wines today announced it had completed its acquisition of Grant Burge Wines, including the iconic Grant Burge brand, Burge and Rathbone Fine Wine Merchants business and the historic Krondorf Winery.
Accolade Wines general manager Asia Pacific, Michael East, said the company had been seeking a base in the Barossa for some time and had approached Grant Burge on that basis.
“Our business has cemented its position as the leading supplier of New World wines in recent years, building on its Australian, Californian and South African portfolio through the acquisition of brands in key appellations such as California’s Sonoma Valley, through Geyser Peak and Atlas Peak in 2012, and in 2014 included premium New Zealand regions through the acquisition of Mud House and Waipara Hills,” he said.
"Grant Burge Wines has five generations of Barossa pedigree and has consistently delivered wines of the highest calibre in a number of different categories, including sparkling, premium white and red wines and fortified wines."
“As we have done with the other brands, we see this as an opportunity to grow the brand even further globally through our distribution network across 112 countries,” said East.
The Accolade boss said Grant Burge would play a crucial role as brand ambassador and continue to supply premium Barossa Valley fruit to the business.
Grant and Helen Burge, who founded Grant Burge Wines in 1988, said the deal ensured the Grant Burge Wines portfolio was promoted strongly internationally as well as domestically.
“We have a really strong business domestically, but we know Accolade Wines wants to also grow the business internationally, and they have the platform to do that. They know that the Barossa is one of the best Australian wine regions and we are amongst the best known Barossa brands,” the couple said.
“We’d really like to thank our staff for their commitment and passion for the Grant Burge brand over the years. Those factors as well as the quality in the bottle have made Grant Burge into what it is today."