Australia’s Morris of Rutherglen to be sold

Pernod Ricard has confirmed plans to sell off Australian fortified wine producer Morris of Rutherglen, bringing 157 years of winemaking across five generations to an end.

David Morris, fifth generation winemaker at Morris of Rutherglen

The winery buildings, 80 hectares of vineyards and extensive inventory are expected to be sold separately, with Pernod Ricard choosing to retain the rights to the Morris brand. Despite retaining the brand, Pernod has said it does not intend to produce anymore wines under it. Should someone make an offer for the entire business, the company has said it would consider selling the brand as well.

This means that unless a backer steps in at the final hour to save the brand, Morris of Rutherglen could disappear from the market altogether, with the Morris name mothballed.

The 157-year-old winery was sold to Pernod Ricard in the 1970s, with the Morris family remaining at the helm. While the final date for closure is yet to be confirmed, Pernod Ricard said it expects it to be before the end of 2016, with Morris’ cellar door due to close on 31 January 2017.

Angus Barnes, brand heritage manager of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, told Australia’s Wine Business Magazine: “The reason for this closure is that despite many efforts over recent years, we have been unable to turn Morris Wines into a sustainable operation due to the ongoing decline in the consumption of fortified wines, and we now need to prioritise resources to strengthen the long-term growth potential of our other leading wine brands.

“We remain committed to the future of the Australian wine category. It’s a sad day for the winery. It’s a decision that has not been taken lightly or quickly.”

Overall, the fortified category has been declining by 5% globally for the last two years, and by 4.2% in Australia for the last two years (2013-15.), said a spokesperson for Pernod Ricard.

Fourteen full time staff are expected to be affected by the closure.

Established in 1859, Morris has built a reputation for producing some of Australia’s best fortified wines, from vintage Tawny to Muscat and Topaque liqueurs, to full-bodied reds and sparkling wines. Five generations of the Morris family have since tended its vines, with David Morris becoming its head winemaker in 1993 when his father retired.

Its cellar door, located in its Mia Mia winery, was designed by legendary Australian architect Robyn Boyd in 1972 and offers views of century-old storage casks.

Pernod Ricard Australia, the local arm of the global beverage giant, also owns Australian labels including the Barossa Valley’s Jacobs Creek and Coonawarra’s Wyndam Estate. It also distributes G.H. Mumm, Absolut Vodka and Jameson Irish Whiskey.