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Brown Brothers buys Tamar Ridge

Published:  18 August, 2010

Australian producer Brown Brothers has bought Tamar Ridge Estates vineyard and winery interests in Tasmania from Gunns for AU$32.5 million.

Australian producer Brown Brothers has bought Tamar Ridge Estates vineyard and winery interests in Tasmania from Gunns for AU$32.5m.


The purchase includes the Tamar Ridge, Pirie, Devil's Corner, Coombend, Notley Gorge and Rosevears brands.


Brown Brothers chief executive Ross Brown said the firm's desire to source grapes from cooler regions, given concerns over how global warming was affecting its vineyards in Victoria, had driven the decision.


"This acquisition complements our existing portfolio. For example, we don't currently have the vineyard sites to compete in the pinot noir category, but 30% of fruit from this acquisition is high quality pinot. In addition, we have always believed that Australia's best sparkling wine will be made from the Victorian 'High Country' and Tasmania, and a significant portion of this acquisition is super-premium sparkling fruit.


"This is a very sound business that ticks all our strategic objectives for growth in pinot and sparkling, and at the same time reduces the risk of drought and associated high temperatures and scarcity of water," said Brown.


Gunns chief executive Greg L'Estrange said: "We are confident the development of the Tamar Ridge wine business will continue under Brown Brothers' ownership, providing further opportunities for employees."


Dr Andrew Pirie, the chief executive and chief winemaker at Tamar Ridge Estates, is set to retire when Brown Brothers take over.


The sale is expected to complete on August 31.

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