Celebrity syndicate buys Barossa Valley winery
A consortium of high-profile sports, media and business identities has quietly bought Barossa Valley’s Bethany Wines.
AFL players Izak Rankine and Brodie Smith, Big Brother contestant turned media personality Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald, cricketer Alex Carey and businessmen including Brendon Roberts KC, Graham Hobbs and Garry Winter are amongst the owners set to take control of the winery and cellar door.
The vendor is the Schrapel family, which held generations.
The winery was first planted in 1852 – 16 years after the state was founded.
“For generations, the Schrapel family – most recently Robert and Geoffrey Schrapel – have tended to Bethany vineyards and the wines they produce with unwavering dedication, cultivating its reputation for excellence and authenticity,” a statement provided to Australia’s Wine Business Magazine, which is reporting the deal, said.
“Their stewardship has been instrumental in shaping the identity of the winery and securing its position as a cornerstone of South Australia’s winemaking history,” it added.
“We are committed to preserving and enhancing its rich legacy,” according to the syndicate.
“Bethany Wines now enters a new chapter – rooted in heritage, guided by local passion and driven by a bold commitment to restoring its status as one of the world’s great wine destinations”.
Revamp, accommodation, event spaces planned
Leigh Curye and Dimitris Parhas are also part of the buying consortium.
Immediate plans include expanding the cellar door experience and visitor facilities.
Longer term, high-end accommodation will be added, as will rooms for events, including weddings.
Evans and Ayers’ Marc Allgrove and Mark Balnaves brokered the off-market deal for Robert and Geoffrey Schrapel.
Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page.
