A proud moment for South Australians, one of the Adelaide Hills’ most iconic food and wine destinations has just entered an exciting new era. The Lane Vineyard, known for its panoramic views, award-winning dining and premium wines, is back in homegrown hands for the first time since 2011.
Longtime CEO Jared Stringer has officially become a shareholder, purchasing the business from the UK Vestey Group alongside a local Adelaide Hills investor in what he describes as a “vote of confidence” in the brand’s future.
“It wasn’t an opportunity I anticipated, but it was one I couldn’t pass up,” he says.
“The ultimate motivation is that we’ve been working incredibly hard for the last six years since I’ve been running the business, and it’s done incredibly well. The Lane is going from strength to strength at the moment, so it’s an investment to continue to see that happen.”
Founded in 1993 by John and Helen Edwards as a modest family-run vineyard on Ravenswood Lane, The Lane has grown from a small woodworking and production shed into a multi-award-winning destination. The idea to build a restaurant and cellar door came to life over lunch in Norwood in 2005, when John Edwards and architect John Ashcroft sketched a concept on the back of an order pad.
In 2011, the estate was sold to the UK’s Vestey Group, with John and Helen’s son Marty Edwards staying on as Co-General Manager.
Jared joined The Lane as CEO in 2019, bringing with him a wealth of experience in winemaking and hospitality.
“I’m a winemaker by trade – I have a degree in viticulture and I’ve worked in wineries and vineyards across the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Germany and Italy,” he says.
“I’ve been lucky to make wine in different regions across the world, but I’ve always wanted to be back in the Adelaide Hills.”
His career began in hospitality, something that now plays a crucial role in his leadership at The Lane.
“In my very early days, I did a chef’s apprenticeship, so I’ve got experience in hospitality and restaurants too,” he says.
“When you’re running a holistic business like ours with restaurants, tasting rooms, weddings, vineyards, and a winery, you really need to be across every aspect. All those paths I’ve trodden have led me to this.”
Since 2019, Jared has led The Lane through some of its most transformative years, navigating the pandemic, launching a major rebrand, rejuvenating the vineyards, and steering the winery to national recognition.
“To be honest, it was a bit of a baptism by fire,” he reflects.
“I had only been at The Lane for just under three months when the Cudlee Creek bushfires hit at the end of 2019. I was also president of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region at the time and, while our vineyards were unaffected, a lot of the growers we rely on for fruit were impacted. Then three months later, in March 2020, COVID hit and everything shut down.”
“Those first six months, the entire game changed, but it set us on a path. They say COVID is a great catalyst, and it really forced positive change in how we operate, both here on the estate and in how we sell our wine.”
From there, The Lane went into a rebrand, pushing further into retail and revitalising all the experiences offered at the estate.
“It gave everything a refresh, and that really helped set us up for the success we’re seeing now,” he says.
That work has paid off. In 2022, The Lane was crowned Best Winery Restaurant in Australia, and its wines earn national acclaim. It also features regularly in The Real Review’s Top 50 Wineries in Australia.
“The hard work the team has put in over the past few years is paying off. People are buying our wines and dining in our restaurant – that’s the best sign we could ask for.”
This new chapter for the winery is a step Jared takes with honour and responsibility.
“It’s a rare privilege to lead a business you love – rarer still to become part of its legacy,” he adds.
“There’s always uncertainty when a business changes hands, but everyone stayed on and they’re excited for the future. I think that’s a real testament to the culture we’ve built.”
From its humble beginnings to a standout in South Australia’s food and tourism scene, The Lane Vineyard’s return to homegrown ownership marks an exciting new chapter, led by someone who knows and loves it best.
WHAT: Jared Stringer and local investor take ownership of The Lane
WHERE: The Lane Vineyard, 5 Ravenswood Ln Hahndorf
For the website, click here.
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