Wirra Wirra secures exclusive deal with the world’s largest family-owned wine company

Iconic McLaren Vale winery, Wirra Wirra, has secured a landmark, exclusive deal with the world’s largest family-owned wine company, E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) to export its range of wines chain across all 50 states.

Under the agreement, Wirra Wirra will be Gallo’s exclusive McLaren Vale supplier, which will be an initial two-year new product development program, with the first year focused on increasing distribution.

The export deal, initiated by Wine Australia, and brought to fruition by Wirra Wirra’s CEO, Matthew Deller MW, will help Wirra Wirra achieve its vision of being globally recognised as an iconic fine wine brand of Australia, making inspiring wines that elevate McLaren Vale.

The winery already exports to more than 20 countries around the world, including Canada, Singapore, England and Hong Kong.

This new export deal will see Wirra Wirra’s range of wines on supermarket shelves and in restaurants nationally in the largest wine-consuming market in the world and the country that is ranked as the largest consumer of imported wines (based on value).

“As a family-owned winery with history dating back to 1894, Wirra Wirra is delighted to partner in the US with E. & J. Gallo Winery, another historic, family-owned wine company that we admire immensely,” said Matt Deller MW, CEO at Wirra Wirra.

“Gallo are unparalleled brand builders in the US market who are uniquely positioned to bring Wirra Wirra’s great McLaren Vale wines to American consumers. 

“Since Wirra Wirra launched Church Block 50 years ago it has grown to be Australia’s favourite premium Cabernet Sauvignon blend, thanks to how it massively overdelivers value for money. We are excited to work with Gallo to see where they can take our generous, energetic, perfumed wines in the US.”

The Department for Trade and Investment (DTI) helped fund Wirra Wirra’s participation in the 2022-23 Wine Australia US Market Entry Program as part of the Wine Export Recovery and Expansion Program.

Founded in 1933 by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo, E. & J. Gallo Winery is a family-owned company and global wine and spirits industry leader. 

The hallmark of E. & J. Gallo Winery is their lasting commitment to sustainability and quality, and consistently providing wine and spirits for every occasion. 

Gallo’s range of offerings includes Apothic, Barefoot Wine, Black Box, J Vineyards & Winery, La Marca Prosecco, Orin Swift, New Amsterdam Vodka, RumChata, High Noon, along with partnerships with esteemed family-owned brands such as Allegrini, Argiano, The Dalmore, Don Fulano, and Gruppo Montenegro. 

The export deal was initiated by Wine Australia which promotes the sale and growth of Australian wines around the world and helps to foster and encourage sustainable wine businesses by investing in research and innovation, building capability and sharing bespoke market knowledge.

For further information on the support available to companies looking to export or expand into new markets, visit www.export.sa.gov.au