Wine will stay part of the story at the former Chapel Hill site in McLaren Vale, according to the new owners, Torrens Living.
The Adelaide-based company is in the process of purchasing the property from Endeavour Group.
There has been speculation the famous site will become a resort or a retirement village.
Torrens Living says it is still not ready to release its full plans for the site.
However, managing director Joel Hepburn-Brown told WBM that “wine stays part of the story”.
“Once the sale is complete, Torrens Living intends to keep the vines, contract a winemaker to use the winemaking facilities, and keep weddings, events and the guest house going,” he said.
“This is part of our aim to help reinvigorate tourism, events and employment in the region.
“We know how much this property means to McLaren Vale, and we feel the responsibility that comes with it.
“We want to give visitors more reasons to experience the region.”
Torrens Living plans to host programs such as wine blending at the site for older Australians.
“We have a view to expanding into day programs for older Australians, such as gardening, wine blending and art classes with local artists,” Mr Hepburn-Brown says.
“We’re building programs so older Australians can enjoy meaningful connections, which are associated with wellbeing and longevity.
“We’ll share more about our plans when we’re ready.”
Chapel Hill wine production has been transferred to Dorrien Estate in the Barossa Valley.
Endeavour says it will be leasing back the fruit from the famous site.
The publicly-listed company has also confirmed that Chapel Hill viticulturist Rachel Steer – who has been with the winery since 2007 – will continue in the role.
Endeavour put Chapel Hill and Oakridge Wines in the Yarra Valley on the market in May as it transitions to an “asset-light” business model.
According to the website, Torrens Health began in 1970 as a specialist nursing agency.
“Today the group spans around 15 businesses supporting communities,” the website says.
“Rather than a single service, we are a group of established brands, each with its own audience and expertise.”