November 22nd – South Australia’s Maxwell Wines, based in McLaren Vale, will soon be making its mark in the United States under a new distribution agreement with one of the most progressive American importers and distributors in the country.
Domaine & Estates Artisanal Wines, a division of U.S. based Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits dedicated to discovering unique wines of excellent quality with limited availability and production, has selected a range of Maxwell products to import and supply to high-end restaurants and fine wine outlets in five American States.
The agreement heralds an exciting new chapter for the family-owned Maxwell Wines business which began in 1979.
Founder and owner, Mark Maxwell is delighted to be working with Domaine & Estates Artisanal Wines, recognising the huge potential not only for the winery and its future growth, but for the entire McLaren Vale wine region.
“We are very proud to be part of a new wave of premium, Australian produced wines bound for the U.S. market,” Maxwell says.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring a part of this renowned region and its unique terroir characteristics to life for consumers in the U.S.”
A selection of six wines will initially be sent and distributed by Domaine & Estates Artisanal Wines throughout Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Dallas and Miami.
Laura DePasquale, Senior Vice President Sales Commercial Operations, Artisanal Wine Division says, the timing is right to showcase Maxwell Wines and boost the range of Australian premium sector wines into the U.S.
“I see a market for the educated, worldly wine consumers to experiment with the balanced and flavoursome wines coming from Australia,” DePasquale commented.
Maxwell’s was a perfect fit for Domaine & Estates Artisanal Wines who was seeking a family-owned business in a well-respected region who was also fully immersed and certified in sustainable viticulture and winemaking.
Maxwell’s one hundred-acre estate vineyard, adorning the limestone hills above McLaren Vale, boasts vines as old as 95 years. Known for elegant and fruit-filled reds including the Silver Hammer Shiraz, Lime Cave Cabernet and Four Roads Grenache, their innovative and sustainable approach to hand-made wine has led to recent experimentation with new Mediterranean varieties like Nero d’Avola and Fiano to complement the mainstay wines.
“We’d like to round out the experience for our new markets and consumers by inviting them to visit McLaren Vale, taste the local wines and join us at the table for some of the best regional dining at our multi award winning restaurant.”
Maxwell acknowledges the pathway provided for this new venture was through participation in Wine Australia’s US Market Entry Program, supported by South Australia’s Department for Trade and Investment.
“This initiative has yielded a unique opportunity for Maxwell Wines and will help the broader industry rebuild the gap in the export market, and further enhance the stellar reputation, consistency and diversity of Australian wines on a global scale”, says Maxwell.
