Endeavour Group will not renew its lease on Josef Chromy Wines at Relbia, casting doubt over the future of one of Tasmania’s best-known wineries.
The decision is part of a major restructure of Endeavour’s Pinnacle Drinks business, announced late last month.
Endeavour, which owns BWS and Dan Murphy’s, said the changes would create an “asset-light, customer-led” portfolio focused on the brands customers value most.
The company will cut its own grape production by more than 80% and consolidate winery operations from seven sites to three nationally.
Josef Chromy is one of several wineries affected. Endeavour said it “does not intend to renew its lease” and that “assets associated with the business are under review”.
A decision on those assets will be made before the lease ends.
The 61-hectare vineyard sits just south of Launceston and includes a winery, restaurant and cellar door.
The estate was founded by Tasmanian wine pioneer Josef Chromy, who launched the label in the late 2000s.
In 2022, Chromy sold the vineyard, restaurant and cellar door to Warakirri Asset Management and the wine brand to Endeavour, in a deal reported to be worth $55 million.
“Today’s decisions reflect a clear choice to refocus Pinnacle on its primary role – serving our retail businesses and the customers that drive growth,” Endeavour Group managing director Jayne Hrdlicka said.
“By concentrating on the brands and assets that customers value most, we are building a more focused private label portfolio.”
The restaurant, cellar door and operations will continue as usual until the lease expires.
