(Oct. 24, 2024; Melbourne, Australia)–Rathbone Wine Group, the Australian family-owned wine group made up of three of the country’s most iconic estate properties, Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran and Xanadu, has opened distribution in Illinois through an exclusive agreement with ACME Wine Company. This expansion is in sync with Rathbone Wine Group’s planned USA expansion with similar new distribution partnerships in New York, New Jersey and Florida.
Rathbone Wine Group encompasses three historic estates, each focused on its unique location and sustainable viticulture: 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.
“We are excited to partner with ACME Wine Company to bring these incredible Australian brands to Illinois,” says CEO and Winemaker Darren Rathbone. “ACME Wine Company, with its experienced team and ability to articulate the story and vision of every wine it offers, allows us to extend the reach of the Rathbone Wine Group portfolio—known for its cool-climate wines of quality and distinction—to a broader audience.”
Founded in 1999, ACME Wine Company (formerly H2Vino) is a Chicago-based importer and distributor of fine wines from around the world. Focused on providing high-quality, high-value wines to both traditional and specialty retailers and restaurants across Illinois, ACME Wine Company specializes in artisanal selections, including many that are biodynamic, sustainable or organically farmed.
“At ACME Wine Company, we are dedicated to showcasing wines made by people who are passionate about their craft and uphold the highest standards of quality,” says Portfolio Manager Aaron Woodrow. “Rathbone Wine Group exemplifies this commitment by consistently delivering cool-climate, site-specific wines from some of Australia’s most iconic and esteemed wine estates. We are looking forward to bringing these award-winning wines to consumers in Illinois.”
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 Illinois, the Rathbone Wine Group’s wines are distributed in California (Atrium Wine Brokers), Colorado (VinMarket), Delaware & Maryland (DOPS), Florida (XXI Wine & Spirits), Georgia (Empire Distributing), 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) 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. Founded 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/
