Ross Estate Wines Pty Ltd and parent company Winston Wines Pty Ltd – the former operators of Hemera Estate at Lyndoch in the Barossa – have called in liquidators owing millions of dollars.
The Advertiser says Hemera Estate was bought by secured lenders prior to the liquidation and is under new ownership via Sydney financier Carson Capital.
The winery and cellar door continue to operate although the website was down at the time of writing.
An ASIC notice says, “Notice is given that at a general meeting of the members of the company held on 21 September 2026, it was resolved that the company be wound up and that Daniel Lopresti be appointed liquidator(s).”
“According to Report on Company Activities and Property filings prepared by the two companies’ director Huafeng Jin, Winston Wine owes creditors close to $15.9 million while Ross Estate Wines’ debt pile tops $4.7 million, including a $3.5 million intercompany loan from its parent company,” The Advertiser says.
“Most of the debts are to related groups including Chinese businessman Genghua Lin – a former director and current shareholder of the companies who’s owed $7.4 million – and Chinese conglomerate Xiamen Sumpo Group which is owed close to $8.3 million.”
The newspaper says unsecured creditors include the ATO ($340,000) and the Barossa Council ($155,000).
Ross Estate Wines – a James Halliday five red star winery – was established by Darius and Pauline Ross in 1999.
Chinese-backed Winston Wines bought the company in 2012 and changed the name to Hemera Estate.
Clifton Hall is the liquidator.