O'Briens ring changes at Kangarilla Road

Kevin and Helen O'Brien, who established the Kangarilla Road winery in McLaren Vale in 1997, have announced the sale of the production facility and surrounding vineyard.

They will retain their successful Kangarilla Road brand and the neighbouring JOBS vineyard.

The O'Briens said it was a difficult decision, but the sale to long-term business associates,Gemtree Vineyards, made sense.

"They are continuing to grow, and the need for their own production facility has been a commercial reality for some time," the O'Briens said.

"For us, we've loved making wines and contract processing for some fantastic brands over the years and this part of our business has been an enjoyable success. However the time is right for us to lighten the load and focus on what has always been our true love, the Kangarilla Road label."

Kevin and Helen will continue to source fruit from their neighbouring JOBS vineyard, long-term growers and the vineyard surrounding the winery. All Kangarilla Road wines will continue to be made by Kevin at the current winery. The cellar door will remain on the current site until the middle of the year with a new cellar door being constructed on the adjacent vineyard property.

"It's an exciting time for us and we look forward to continuing to invest and grow the Kangarilla Road brand and of course make wines that reflect the very best of the McLaren Vale region," the O'Briens said.

Source: The Shout, 30 January 2013