Barossa Valley chateau and winery hit the market
One of the state’s largest wineries is up for sale, including a chateau that’s been a Barossa Valley landmark since 1897.
Pernod Ricard has listed its Richmond Grove Winery facility at Tanunda for sale as the owner looks to consolidate its operations at Rowland Flat.
Though the Richmond Grove brand was discontinued by Pernod Ricard portfolio in 2015, the company has continued to use the historic facilities to make wine for its other labels.
Situated at the northern end of Tanunda in the heart of the Barossa Valley, the winery’s neighbours include the likes of Peter Lehmann Wines and Langmeil Winery.
The sale includes 27 hectares of land across five titles, 87 million litres of tank storage across 299 tanks, three climate-controlled warehouses totalling over 16,400 sqm, and multiple residences.
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The historic Flemish-style chateau is the distinguishing feature of the site, which first opened in 1897.
Australian winemaking legend Leo Buring acquired the site – formerly the Orange Grove Winery – in 1944 and renamed it Chateau Leonay. Ray Kidd of Lindemans later bought the winery.
Pernod Ricard’s Orlando label took over the operation in 1993 and made it the headquarters of Richmond Grove. The winemaking giant is now divesting the property as it already has another major processing plant at Rowland Flat.
“The sale of Richmond Grove, located at 21 Para Road, Tanunda, presents a rare opportunity for buyers to acquire a significant Barossa landholding with multiple titles and potential for alternate uses,” said Colliers national director of agribusiness Tim Altschwager, who is handling the sale process with Nick Goode and Tom Barrett on behalf of Pernod Ricard.
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The site has potential and could be transformed into a wine tourism hub, the Colliers brokers said, or could remain a major wine-making facility.
“While Richmond Grove’s heritage is entrenched in winemaking, its future could include a mixture of industrial, residential and wine tourism pursuits, subject to necessary consents,” Barrett said.
The site is being offered for sale by expressions of interest closing on 20 November.
For Pernod Ricard, the sale follows the announcement of its upcoming merger with one of Australia’s largest wine businesses: Accolade.
That deal – subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in the first half of 2025 – will pull prominent South Australian wine brands under one umbrella including Jacob’s Creek, Orlando Wines and St Hugo.
Accolade – which was bought by a consortium of investors earlier this year – boasts a portfolio of brands like Hardys, Grant Burge, Banrock Station, St Hallett and Petaluma.
