Samuel Smith & Son is the Australian distributor for Seppelt Wines, which is back in family hands.
Seppelt is entering a new chapter under the ownership of Aaron Drummond and partners.
Returning this great Australian wine brand to local family ownership, the new custodians will guide its future with a focus on its historic Great Western home, exceptional vineyards and celebrated winemaking heritage.
With a winemaking history dating back to 1851, Seppelt is one of Australia’s most significant wine names.
Its heritage encompasses pioneering contributions to Australian sparkling wine, the celebrated Great Western cellars and distinctive cool-climate wines from Drumborg and Western Victoria.
Under the new partnership, Seppelt will join Samuel Smith & Son’s portfolio of leading family-owned and independently minded wineries.
The appointment combines Seppelt’s heritage, vineyards and winemaking credentials with Samuel Smith & Son’s national sales capability, longstanding customer relationships and focus on building enduring premium wine brands.
Proprietor Robert Hill-Smith said: “It is wonderful to see a great Australian wine brand such as Seppelt return to family ownership.
“As a family-owned distributor, we understand the patience, commitment and personal responsibility that go into building wine brands for generations to come.
“We are proud that Samuel Smith & Son will support Aaron and his partners as they embark on this next chapter for Seppelt.”
Aaron Drummond said: “Taking responsibility for Seppelt, its historic Great Western home and its exceptional vineyards is an incredible privilege.
“As we considered the next chapter for the brand, it was important to find a distribution partner that shared our respect for heritage, regionality and long-term brand building.
“Samuel Smith & Son’s family ownership, fine-wine expertise and national reach make it a natural partner for Seppelt.
“There is also something very special about seeing Seppelt and Yalumba brought closer together – two great names that have helped shape Australian wine over generations.”
Ty Menzies, executive director Sales ANZ at Samuel Smith & Son, said: “We are enormously proud to welcome Seppelt to Samuel Smith & Son.
“Few brands have contributed as much to the history and evolution of Australian wine, and the opportunity to represent Seppelt is a privilege for our business and our people.
“Seppelt is returning to family ownership and joining a family-owned distributor that understands the responsibility of caring for brands of this significance.
“Bringing Seppelt and Yalumba closer together within our portfolio unites two famous Australian wine names, each with an extraordinary history and a clear role in the future of premium Australian wine.
“We look forward to working closely with Aaron and the Seppelt team, investing in the brand and reconnecting its remarkable wines and stories with customers, venues and wine drinkers across Australia.”
The addition of Seppelt further strengthens Samuel Smith & Son’s Australian fine-wine portfolio and reflects its commitment to representing brands with authentic provenance, distinctive regional expression and long-term growth potential.
Seppelt is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine names, with a rich history of innovation in still and sparkling wine.
Its historic home at Great Western in Victoria and renowned underground cellars are central to its heritage.
Seppelt’s wines showcase the character of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, including Drumborg and sites across Western Victoria.