Photo credit (L-R): Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion and Wirra Wirra CEO Matt Deller
In a groundbreaking achievement, two storied family-owned wineries have united their efforts to introduce the wines of McLaren Vale to every corner of the United States. This strategic alliance is set to raise the international renown of the South Australian wine region to even greater heights.
The illustrious Wirra Wirra winery, deeply entrenched in the McLaren Vale landscape, has harnessed the support of a Government initiative to forge an exclusive alliance with the eminent E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo), the world’s largest family-owned wine enterprise and a prominent figure in the American wine scene.
“This deal opens the door to one of our biggest wine markets and will make it easier for premium South Australian wine to appear on US shelves,” Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion MP says.
Through a newly forged two-year agreement, Gallo will serve as the exclusive importer for Wirra Wirra’s premier Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon selections.
“As a family-owned winery with history dating back to 1894, Wirra Wirra is delighted to partner in the US with E. & J. Gallo Winery, another historic, family-owned wine company that we admire immensely,” Wirra Wirra CEO Matt Deller MW says.
“Gallo are unparalleled brand builders in the US market who are uniquely positioned to bring Wirra Wirra’s great McLaren Vale wines to American consumers.”
The initial year will concentrate on amplifying the distribution of these exceptional wines throughout the United States. The accord will see Wirra Wirra’s offerings gracing the shelves of supermarkets and the tables of restaurants, thereby spotlighting McLaren Vale as a preeminent wine destination to a global audience.
This strategic alliance will grant Wirra Wirra access to all 50 states within the intricately regulated American alcohol market—a terrain that has often posed challenges for wineries from South Australia to navigate.
Wirra Wirra received support through the 2022-23 US Market Entry Program, with the State Government and Wine Australia co-funding the company’s participation.
The initiative matches local wineries with US buyers and retailers to build industry connections and help them secure orders and break into the US market. The US is the largest consumer of imported wines, highlighting growth opportunities.
In the last US Market Entry Program, South Australian producers received a combined $1.8 million in opening order sales.
The US is the second most valuable market for SA wine exports, reaching $164.5 million in the year ending June 2023, as the demand for premium wines above the lucrative USD$15-25 per bottle price range continues to grow.
Wirra Wirra joins a long list of Gallo – founded in 1933 by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo – partnering with esteemed family-owned brands, such as Allegrini, Argiano, The Dalmore, Don Fulano, and Gruppo Montenegro.
The McLaren Vale winery – founded in 1894 – already exports to more than 20 countries around the world, including Canada, Singapore, England and Hong Kong.
For more information about Wirra Wirra Vineyards, head here.
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