Endeavour acquires Margaret River jewel, Cape Mentelle

Endeavour Group has acquired Cape Mentelle from Moët Hennessy after more than three decades of ownership.

Endeavour chief executive Steve Donohue told The Australian Financial Review that after a near 12-month sale process, adding Cape Mentelle to its growing portfolio was like “striking gold”. AFR reports that EDG paid between $18-$20 million for the privilege.

Donohue said: “Anyone who has tried a Cape Mentelle Cabernet or Chardonnay knows just how special this winery is. I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Cape Mentelle to the Endeavour Group and Paragon Wine Estates families and to see it continue to grow on a global scale, while giving more people across Australia access to its fantastic range of wines.”

Director of Pinnacle Drinks, Paul Walton (pictured below with the Cape Mentelle team) spent Wednesday at the winery meeting the team and said that the acquisition will be finalised in the coming weeks.

“I spent the day in the winery meeting the team today and was incredibly impressed with the positive culture, commitment to excellence in winemaking and viticulture, and passion for quality and sustainability.

"We feel honoured to carry on the amazing legacy of the founders, look forward to playing a positive role in the Margaret River community, and also to investing and growing the business over the coming years," he said.

It will be business as usual for Cape Mentelle with key personnel to remain with the winery, including Estate Director Penny Dickeson, Viticulturist Dave Moulton and recently appointed Senior Winemaker Eloise Jarvis.

When Endeavour Group acquired Josef Chromy Wines at the end of April last year, General Manager of the Tasmanian winery, Shaine De Venny moved with it and was appointed Head of Paragon Wine Estates – Endeavour Group’s fine wine portfolio. De Venny was Estate Managing Director of Domaine Chandon Australia from 2016-2020.

Cape Mentelle turned celebrated 50 years of winemaking in 2020 with founder John Hohnen planting the first vines in 1970. It is one of the founding five wineries of the Margaret River and a pioneer of many of the region’s renowned wine styles.