South Australian family-owned winery Wirra Wirra has signed a new US distribution agreement with international wine giant E. & J. Gallo Winery. Industry body Wine Australia has called it a ‘visionary’ partnership.
California-based E. & J. Gallo Winery is the largest family-owned winery in the world, with a global portfolio of more than one hundred wine and spirits brands. It is estimated that one in every five bottles purchased in the United States is sold by the company.
Under the new agreement, Wirra Wirra's Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz-Merlot and Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon will soon be available across the US. The Holy Thirst Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz and RSW Shiraz will be also be allocated to the market.
Wine Australia regional GM Americas Aaron Ridgway said the partnership marked a turning point for Australian wine in the US.
“This strategic launch by E. & J. Gallo Winery in the Australian category is both visionary and well-timed.
“Their ability to create and define entire categories over many decades sends an extremely positive message about the viability of Australian wine in higher price segments,” said Ridgway.
Wirra Wirra CEO Matthew Deller said this was ‘the perfect opportunity with the right partner at the right time’.
“E. & J. Gallo Winery holds an unparalleled market share in the United States, and we couldn’t be happier to embark on our next chapter with them.
“It has been a challenging couple of years for the Australian wine industry, but this is an incredible opportunity to make a significant impact in the world’s largest and most attractive wine market,” said Deller.
E. & J. Gallo Winery senior vice president, and GM Steve Carlotti said he believes Wirra Wirra will have huge appeal to the American market.
“We are thrilled to partner with Wirra Wirra, one of the most well-known and well-respected names in Australian winemaking.
“Wirra Wirra consistently delivers elegant, classic wines at incredible value. We look forward to bringing this exciting new choice to American consumers,” said Carlotti.
First founded in 1894, the sustainable, family-owned Wirra Wirra is led by chief winemaker Emma Wood, and an all-female winemaking team. Wirra Wirra has enjoyed widespread domestic success, and its international profile has also been growing in recent years.
The 2019 Chook Block Shiraz was acknowledged internationally as one of 50 Best in Show wines judged from 18,500 wines at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards and the winery was awarded the 2021 Global Best of Wine Tourism Award by Great Wine Capitals.
