Giant Barossa winery marks million-tonne milestone

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (TWE) has crushed its millionth tonne of grapes at the Barossa Valley winery.

The milestone marks a quarter-century of continuous production since the site started as a crushing winery in 2001.

Known then as the Wolf Blass Bilyara winery, the landmark greenfield development was earmarked as ‘Australia’s dream winery’, and built on the legacy of the original Wolf Blass Barossa winery, which opened in 1973.

Since then, the winery has evolved into a hub of sustainability and cutting-edge winemaking thanks to significant investments in automation and innovation.

In 2022, the site was expanded by more than a third, making it the largest premium winemaking site in the Southern Hemisphere.

Today, the site exports wine from across Australia and New Zealand to more than 100 countries around the world, and recent investments include patent-pending processing for the increasingly popular category of lower-in-alcohol wines.

Steven Frost, Craig Beecroft and Christina Zavalis.

TWE director of Wineries – Australia and New Zealand – and Barossa local Christina Zavalis, said the milestone was a moment to celebrate the people and community that have been integral to the winery’s success.

“Reaching one million tonnes is an extraordinary achievement, but what it really represents is 25 years of people, progress, pride and world class wines,” Ms Zavalis said.

“There are team members here today who were part of that very first vintage in 2001, and others who have followed in the footsteps of parents and relatives who worked here before them.

“The wine industry has been evolving for generations, and reaching one million tonnes is a testament to our ability to adapt.

“This winery was built on an ambitious vision – since it opened, it’s cemented its role at the heart of world-class Australian wine and the Barossa community.”

Winemakers Richard Mattner and Kate Hongell were at the winery on day one.

“Seeing the millionth tonne of grapes come through today is especially rewarding because I was here when the winery expanded in 2001, and saw the very first grapes come through back then,” said Richard.

Kate said, “The winery has grown and evolved over the years, and this milestone reflects 25 years refining our approach, investing in winemaking capability and consistently innovating to produce some of the best wines in the world.

“To have been part of that journey from the beginning is a career highlight.”

A celebratory event was held on site as the millionth tonne of grapes hit the winery scales – the gathering of current and former staff recognising the people who have contributed to the winery’s growth and success over the past 25 years.