Manchester-based Kingsland has further expanded its portfolio by entering into an exclusive supply agreement with Australia’s Limestone Coast Winery (LCW) to distribute the company’s premium bulk wine to the UK On and Off-Trade.

Family-owned and run LCW operates from the former Stonehaven winery which was built in 1998 and soon won acclaim as International Winery of the Year in 2001 from the San Francisco Wine Awards.  The 12,000 tonne winery features state-of-the-art processing equipment, with the latest computer systems to ensure every stage of winemaking is market-leading.  The facility has a holding capacity of 12 million litres of wine, with room for an additional 15,000 barrels in the temperature-controlled barrel hall.

Chief Winemaker Grant Semmens – who has over 20 years’ experience in the Australian industry, including stints at Southcorp, Banrock Station and Salena Estate – oversees a team of three winemakers responsible for the company’s portfolio of wines, from SEA bulk to boutique GI specific.  LCW sources fruit from the premium regions including the Barossa, Heathcote and McLaren Vale, with emphasis on the six flagship regions of the Limestone Coast – including the cool climate Coonawarra, Padthaway and Mount Benson – to provide a range of varieties from each region.

“The synergy between our companies makes this a significant partnership for all parties,” comments Kingsland’s Australia Buyer Paul Braydon.  “Our business models are both built around being able to offer the best service possible to our customers and suppliers.  LCW has the flexibility in production volumes, styles and pricing that enables us to offer the fully tailored service we are known for in the UK – as well as the ability to create innovative new brands to meet future market requirements.”

Richie Vandenberg, Managing Director of Limestone Coast Wines, adds, “LCW is focused on reinvigorating the Australia category in the UK by producing a range of high quality new and innovative wines in both bulk and bottled.  We are proud to be partnering with Kingsland to bring these products to market.”

Established over 50 years ago, Kingsland are experts in UK filling, packaging and bulk wine shipping, providing the complete supply chain solution.  In 2012, the purchase of assets of the Stratford’s business gave Kingsland the opportunity to build on its existing agency business.  The portfolio now encompasses key brands such as: McWilliam’s from Australia; Lutzville, Rickety Bridge and De Grendel from South Africa; Shorn and Rams-say from Marlborough, NZ; Torre Albarrana from Spain and Vino Pomona from Italy.