October 18, 2024 – Melbourne, Australia — Darren Rathbone, CEO and Winemaker for Australia-based Rathbone Wine Group (RWG), is pleased to announce that the family-owned wine group’s portfolio of premium cool-climate Australian wines is now available in distribution in Florida through XXI Wine & Spirits. Rathbone Wine Group encompasses three historic estates: Yering Station in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, known for world class Victorian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; Mount Langi Ghiran in Victoria’s Grampians region, which specializes in cool-climate Shiraz; and Xanadu in Margaret River, Western Australia, a well-known producer of exemplary Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
“Rathbone Wine Group was founded on the pillars of pride, passion, and an unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional wines that capture the essence of their cool-climate origins,” says Darren Rathbone. “We’re excited to partner with XXI Wine & Spirits to introduce our portfolio of distinctive, terroir-driven Australian wines to Florida through their trusted network of retailers and restaurants.”
XXI Wine & Spirits, headquartered in Miami, is a leading importer and distributor of fine wines and craft spirits. Founded in 2016 by Florent Blanchet, XXI Wine & Spirits prides itself on thoughtfully curating its diverse portfolio of boutique producers from around the world.
“The Rathbone portfolio features some of Australia’s most iconic and esteemed winery estates,” says Blanchet. “These wines not only boast high quality but also come at competitive price points. We’re excited to introduce Rathbone Wine Group’s remarkable offerings to wine lovers in Florida.”
In response to the recent devastation that occurred in Florida as a result of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, XXI Wine & Spirits and Rathbone Wine Group have agreed to donate $8 per case sold through the end of 2024 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Rathbone Wine Group was first established by wine-loving brothers Doug and Graeme Rathbone when they acquired Yering Station in 1996. Since 2008, Rathbone Wine Group has been under the leadership of Doug’s son, Darren Rathbone, CEO and Winemaker. Today, each winery has earned a reputation for high quality wines at competitive price points for “wines of place” and have achieved official certification by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia for both the vineyards and the winery.
Beyond Florida, the Rathbone Wine Group’s wines are distributed in California (Atrium Wine Brokers), Colorado (VinMarket), Delaware & Maryland (DOPS), Georgia (Empire Distributing), Illinois (Acme Distribution), Indiana, Kentucky & Ohio (Vanguard Wines), Massachusetts & New Hampshire (Ruby Wines), New Jersey & New York (Lieber Fine Wines), Oklahoma (Premium Brands), Texas (Virtuoso Wine & Spirits), Virginia & Washington D.C (Dionysos Imports), Wisconsin (Pure Wine Co) and Puerto Rico (Pan American Wines & Spirits).
About Rathbone Wine Group
Established in 1996, the Rathbone Wine Group is a leading family-owned Australian fine wine group. Owned by the Rathbone family, its owners include Darren Rathbone (CEO & Group Winemaker), Doug Rathbone (Chairman) and Brad Rathbone (Export Director). Leading the group’s guiding vision, the family is also involved in running the day-to-day business operations alongside their passionate and committed team. Headquartered in Melbourne, the group comprises acclaimed cool climate wineries Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran and Xanadu. Operations include viticulture, winemaking, tourism and hospitality. Each winery owns hectares of vines, state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and beautiful estates that are open to visitors.
Yering Station is the crown jewel of the Yarra Valley. With vines first planted in 1838, Yering Station was Victoria’s first vineyard and has today emerged as one of the most respected producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Australia. Presently, the estate is comprised of five vineyard sites across Yarra Glen and Coldstream sub-regions, with 12 varieties planted to more than 27 clones.
Mount Langi Ghiran is an Australian pioneer in cool climate Shiraz and was acquired by the Rathbone Family in 2002. Since the late 1960s, Mount Langi Ghiran has been committed to a distinctively vibrant, spicy and elegant Shiraz afforded by a fortunate alignment of natural elements in the remote and rugged Grampians region of southeastern Australia.
Xanadu in Margaret River was acquired by the Rathbone Family in 2005. Located in the secluded south-west corner of Australia, the region is surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean and sheltered by forests of majestic Marri, Jarrah and Karri trees. These natural surroundings allow for moderate ripening throughout the growing season, ideal for producing exemplary Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
For more information on Rathbone Wine Group, please visit https://rathbonewinegrouptrade.com/
