The Australian winery Chateau Tanunda has announced a ground-up restructuring of its U.S. operations.
This includes setting up a joint-partnership import company and hiring a U.S.-based representative to manage marketing and distribution.
“This enables us to respond quickly to an ever-changing marketplace and offer significant cost benefits to our distributors,” says winery owner John Geber. “Whilst Shiraz is the Barossa’s traditional calling card, at Château Tanunda we also believe in the world-class potential of Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon.”
To that end, two new wines are now making their U.S. debut: Château Tanunda Matthews Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Château Tanunda Triathlon Red Blend 2015.
Effective Jan. 1, Geber has been joined at the helm by daughter Michelle Geber in her new capacity of General Manager. Starting in 2010, Michelle Geber helped lay the groundwork for Château Tanunda in the U.S., the company says in a press release, and will continue to visit the U.S. on a regular basis.
The new wine import company, California-located AUSA Pacific, represents a partnership between the Geber family and Jim Lambert, founding owner of Lambert Estate Wines in the Barossa. Prior to moving to Australia, Lambert was founder, President and CEO of Dot Hill Systems Corp. for 20-plus years.
Warehousing for AUSA Pacific will be handled by Western Carriers, CA.
U.S. operations for both estates will be managed by industry veteran Dan Goettel. Goettel, known for his work at Banfi Vintners, Terroir Selections and Pacific Brands, will represent Château Tanunda and Lambert Estate Wines through his new company, Barossa Napa Vineyards and Estates.
Goettel’s initial mandate, to set up a national distribution network, is now in place, the company says. He will also oversee distribution and manage U.S. marketing.