Swinney acquires Brookland Valley

The family behind Frankland River-based winery Swinney has inked a deal to acquire Accolade Wines’ Brookland Valley Estate in the South West, increasing its portfolio of vineyard sites.

Under the sale-and-leaseback deal, Swinney will manage the 38-year-old Wilyabrup vineyard, but Accolade Wines will lease it back to produce its Brookland Valley Estate and Houghton wine.

The Caves Road property covers 60 hectares, comprising 15.4ha of vines - the majority of which are cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay - the Flutes restaurant and a cellar door.

Adelaide-headquartered Accolade Wines, which ranks as the state’s second largest producer in Business News’ Data & Insights, will continue to own the two wine brands and utilise the site's facilities.

The Swinney winery is run by fourth-generation Swinney siblings Matt and Janelle on the family's Franklands Farm.

In an announcement on social media late yesterday, Swinney Wines said the purchase marked an exciting phase for the family business and said the company was eager to exploring the site's viticultural potential.

It is understood Accolade staff will continue in their roles under the deal, but the viticulture team will join the Swinney business.

The news comes just weeks after the state’s largest winemaker, Fogarty Wine Group, led by founder and executive chair Peter Fogarty, acquired Accolade Wines’ Nannup facility.

Swinney was awarded Vineyard of the Year in 2021.