Moondah Brook wine brand back in family hands

The Bahen family has bought the Moondah Brook vineyard and wine brand in Western Australian from Vinarchy.

The agreement includes the historic Gingin vineyard, the Moondah Brook wine brand and associated stock.

It returns Moondah Brook to local ownership after years in the corporate world.

Vinarchy and the Bahen family have entered into a long-term grape supply agreement, allowing fruit from the Moondah Brook vineyard to continue contributing to Vinarchy-owned Houghton wines.

The Bahen family said they were delighted to see the property return to local family ownership and were committed to ensuring it remains a productive and sustainable vineyard for the future.

“Moondah Brook is a remarkable vineyard with a proud history and an important place in the Western Australian wine industry,” a spokesperson for the Bahen family said.

“We also acknowledge the significant role Vinarchy and its predecessor organisations have played in developing and maintaining the vineyard over many years and are pleased to continue supporting the Houghton brand through the long-term grape supply agreement.”

Brett McKinnon, chief technical officer at Vinarchy, said the sale was a positive outcome for Moondah Brook and Houghton.

“Moondah Brook is a highly regarded vineyard with a long history in Western Australian wine, and Vinarchy has been proud to be part of that story,” Mr McKinnon said.

“The vineyard has played a key role in Houghton wines over many years, so it was important to us to see that connection continued.

“We’re pleased to keep sourcing fruit from Moondah Brook, while seeing the brand enter its next chapter under new ownership.”

Management of the vineyard will continue under the supervision of G5S Viticulture.

Calneggia Family Vineyards will market and distribute Moondah Brook wines.

Jack Calneggia of Calneggia Family Vineyards said the opportunity to be involved in the revival of the Moondah Brook brand was both exciting and significant.

“Moondah Brook has a genuine Western Australian story and a strong foundation built on exceptional vineyard fruit,” he said.

“Our role is to honour that history while reintroducing the brand to consumers through wines that reflect both the character of the vineyard and the values of family ownership.”

The Bahen family said it was a positive outcome for all parties, providing certainty for vineyard operations, continuity of grape supply for Houghton wines and a pathway for the future development of the Moondah Brook brand.

The vineyard is located at Gingin about 80km north of Perth.

Vinarchy is one of the world’s leading wine companies with international brands including Hardys, Campo Viejo and Jacob’s Creek.