Accolade continues SA expansion buying up premium winery, Rolf Binder Wines

Accolade Wines is moving at pace on its South Australia growth strategy, announcing this morning the acquisition of Rolf Binder Wines in the Barossa Valley.

It is another step CEO Robert Foye’s ambitious sustainable growth strategy for the Accolade Wines business and the second acquisition under Mr Foye’s helm since acquiring Katnook Estate late last year. Foye said that Rolf Binder brings a depth of experience in the Barossa Valley to Accolade's portfolio of brands.

“We are excited about the role the Rolf Binder brand will play in our diverse portfolio and the role the Rolf Binder premium red and white grapes will have in supporting Accolade’s other Barossa brands, including Grant Burge and St Hallett,” he said.

The Rolf Binder premium winery, including more than 100 hectares of vineyard, was offered for sale by the family last year in a bid to lay the foundations for the business’s next stage of growth.

Rolf Binder was established in 1955 by Rolf Heinrich Binder and his wife, Franziska, and is now run by his son Rolf Binder (Jnr) and daughter Christa Deans. The Binder family produces a range of highly acclaimed premium Barossa wines using fruit from their vineyards. The Rolf Binder portfolio includes five wines that have received 95 points or more from James Halliday and iconic wines such as Bulls Blood and Hanisch Shiraz.

Rolf Binder said: “As one of the biggest wine companies in the world, we believe Accolade has the capacity to take Rolf Binder Wines global. This announcement is also great news for the Barossa and this additional investment will continue to support the Barossa’s profile as a leading global wine region.”

The acquisition comes after strong growth for Accolade Wines in the first half of FY21.

Accolade Wines was established with Houghton in 1836 and the first grapes were crushed at Hardys winery in 1853. Accolade’s portfolio includes Grant Burge, St Hallett, Petaluma, Banrock Station, and Katnook, as well as brands that are shaking up the global landscape such as House of Arras and Jam Shed.