15 FEBRUARY 2019

RedHeads Wine is today set to open a new, custom-built winery in the Barossa Valley in time for vintage 2019 which will commence in a matter of days.

RedHeads wine is the Australian Winemaking arm of UK-Owned wine merchant, Direct Wines (which also trades under the banner Laithwaites Wine). RedHeads aims to find premium parcels of grapes and “liberate” them from the big producers, a few rows at a time, to give them the special treatment they deserve; to form wines of true individuality and character.

The new 500-tonne winery – built in Angaston by local production company, Ahrens – was completed in only 14 months thanks to co-operation from the South Australian Government. The new build aims to drive growth for the business and premium exports for South Australia.

RedHeads’ new home incorporates an eight-hectare vineyard and cellar door, which will be open to the public this Spring. Until then, tastings can be made by appointment.

Direct Wines General Manager for Production, Iain Muggoch, said the company was excited to introduce the new RedHeads winery to its stable of global wine production businesses.

“Having this new winery positioned in one of the world’s most renowned wine regions will help develop our growth of South Australia’s world-class wines to our global customers,” Mr Muggoch said.

“Our investment was made possible with the proactive assistance of the South Australian Government both in Australia and London.”

Minster for Trade, Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway, who will officially open the winery, said Direct Wines’ welcome investment would generate ‘significant’ additional exposure for SA wines in key export markets of the United Kingdom and the United States as well as right across Australia.

“We are delighted that Direct Wines has chosen the Barossa Valley as the site of its only Australian winery, which will enable the company direct access to some of the best fruit in the country for its global customer base.

“Wine exports are critical to South Australia’s economic success – they earned $1.89 billion in 2018 which was the best result in a decade. We look forward to continued growth in the sector.

RedHeads produce Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and other new and emerging Spanish and Italian varieties. First established in 2003, the global demand for RedHeads wines now makes this new investment possible.

South Australia produces 50 per cent of all Australian bottled wine and almost 80 per cent of premium wine.