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Queensland is not a newcomer to the Australian wine industry. Wine grapes have been flourishing in this State since the 1860s.
In the early days, regions all over Queensland - from Mount Ommaney on Brisbane's outskirts through to Ipswich, Toowoomba and Roma in the west and the Granite Belt in the south - produced vast amounts of grapes. Of the wines produced, most were sold locally. The State's oldest winery, Romavilla, also supplied several overseas markets last century and won awards for its wines.
However, despite the most awarded and accoladed year in its history, The Russell Pastoral Company has announced that it will suspend its involvement in the Australian Wine industry with its brand Jimbour Wines.
Speaking from the company’s historic site on the Jimbour Plains owner David Russell said “Due to the continuing poor financial outlook of the Australian wine industry, the company has elected to suspend our wine operations at this time. This decision is effective immediately, and we have no immediate plans to produce any further crop or wine”
The Russell Pastoral Company Board considered the short term viability of their wine business now under increasing pressure from the supermarket sector, and its consequential declining profitability within the current trading environment.
The company is mindful and in agreement with a recent industry statement “Structural surpluses of grapes and wine are now so large that they are causing long-term damage to the Australian wine industry-by devaluing the Australian brand, entrenching discounting and undermining profitability”
Jimbour’s 22 ha vineyard is to be mothballed for 4-5 years, and after that period of time a review of the climate for wine production re-assessed. In the ensuring period it will be converted to a dry grown operation with better resistance to drought and further climate change.
“The defining moment last year was the severe hail damage afflicted last November which led to 90 tonnes of lost premium grapes” adds David Russell
With the recent heavy rainfall over its western and central Queensland properties the company sees a better funds commitment toward cattle re-stocking now with the beef industry in growth mode.
Even though the Cellar Door at the property has closed immediately, the expansive gardens of heritage listed Jimbour House remains a popular tourist and event destination, and will remain accessible via a small donation for entry.
Jimbour’s city Cellar Door at Oliver & Co in West End will also continue to trade.
Jimbour Wines will trade out its bottled stock this year and offer bulk wines from the 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009 seasons for sale.
For any trade enquiries please contact Brian Madden on 0403 237 080, and for media enquiries please contact Adam Armstrong on 0427 440 105.
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