Yalumba pulls its wines from NRA Wine Club

Leading Barossa Valley winery Yalumba has pulled its wines from the National Rifle Association Wine Club in response to an article reported by the drinks business yesterday.

Yalumba Y Series Viognier – one of the wines on sale via the NRA Wine Club

According to Australian newspaper the Herald Sun, Yalumba has quickly distanced itself from the controversial US National Rifle Association after it emerged that it was one of 20 Australian producers sold via the group’s wine club.

The privately owned company is currently investigating how four of its wines made it onto the NRA’s profit-making club – a donation from every bottle of wine purchased through the club goes to the NRA to support its battle to preserve the Second Amendment.

Owner Robert Hill Smith told the Herald Sun he didn’t want Yalumba or its wines associated with the powerful pro-gun lobby.

“Philosophically, I’m not disposed towards the NRA, which runs counter to my family’s, and I would think all my employees’, positions on gun laws,” he said.

“We will act to withdraw our stock or at least not service the account any longer,” he added.

Among the other Australian producers selling their wines via the NRA Wine Club are St Hallett, Jim Barry Wines, d’Arenberg, Tahbilk, and Primo Estate.

The association has been in the spotlight recently as newly re-elected President Barack Obama has vowed to take action on US gun laws during his second term.

Producers contacted by the Australian press yesterday were unaware that their wines were being sold to profit the NRA.

“It’s five steps removed from when I sell the wine. I’ve never thought about where the profit goes,” Jim Barry Wines head Peter Barry told the HS.

“No matter religion, colour or creed, I’m just happy people are drinking and enjoying Australian wine,” Barry added.

Wine Australia chief executive Andrew Cheesman urged producers to closely examine their sales channel strategies to ensure they are fully aware of where their wines are being sold.