Morris Wines retains family ownership with help of Casella Family Brands

You may have been left confused after two seemingly conflicting announcements were made last Friday regarding Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ sale of Morris Wines.

Pernod’s release, which stated that “the Morris Winery, vineyards, brand and cellar door has been acquired and will continue to operate under the leadership of David Morris”, was quickly followed by a statement from Casella Family Brands reporting that it “has acquired full ownership of Morris Wines, with immediate effect.”

Morris Wines has been carried through five generations, established in 1859. After Pernod announced in June that it would be closing and selling the Morris of Rutherglen winery and cellar, the future for Morris brands seemed unclear.

In Friday's Pernod Ricard announcement, David Morris alluded to the acquisition of Morris Wines, however he did not state who made the purchase.

“I am pleased to confirm the acquisition of Morris Wines; this is a positive result for me and for the Rutherglen Region. Morris Wines will continue the tradition of crafting magnificent fortified and full bodied red wines at our 157 year old winery.” David Morris stated.

What took place behind the scenes is touching. David Morris has shared a long-standing relationship with John Casella, Managing Director of Casella Family Brands, dating back to 1981.

After seeing the urgency of the situation and Morris' potential loss of the family legacy, Casella Family Brands made the purchase. This means Morris will able to maintain the reigns of the iconic Rutherglen winery, thanks to the financial backing of Casella Family Brands.

"I’m delighted to welcome Morris Wines into the Casella family, particularly due to our longstanding relationship with the Morris family, which goes back 50 years to when my father supplied grapes to their former Griffith winery,” said Casella.

“Morris Wines is an iconic Australian winery and one of the greatest fortified wineries in the world, with over 150 years of history and winemaking tradition. I believe we are well placed to build on the strength of the brand and cellar door experience to ensure Morris Wines continues its legacy.”

Morris confirmed the deal, stating: “I’m delighted that Morris Wines has been returned to family ownership. The Morris family has built Morris of Rutherglen into an iconic Australian brand and John Casella believes in honouring family legacy and winemaking tradition. The purchase by Casella Family Brands can only be a positive outcome for the winery, the brand, the region and the industry. We’re looking forward to embarking on the next chapter of our journey under the stewardship of Casella Family Brands.”

The acquisition includes Casella’s purchase of the winery, cellar door, 80 hectares of vineyards, stock, and the Morris brand itself.