The Brand Group is an Australian wine-company based in Coonawarra, South Australia helmed by 4th generation winemaker Sam Brand and family. With an esteemed history stretching back over 120 years, the Brand family is synonymous with the famous Coonawarra region and is regarded as one of the pioneers of the local industry. Whilst embracing his heritage, Sam Brand has forged his own path and leads from the forefront of the new generation of Coonawarra winemakers.
​
‘A new reason to look at Coonawarra’ is the catch cry of this reborn ‘Brand’, with a renewed focus producing some expressive takes on both Coonawarra classics and contemporary blends. Each wine celebrating the diversity that Coonawarra can provide and telling the untold stories of the region in an authentic and original way.
History
The Brand family headed by Eric Brand and sons Jim & Bill (Sam’s Grandfather, father and uncle) established the ‘Brands Laira’ winery in 1965 and quickly established a reputation as one of Australia’s most sought-after small producers. In 1994 Brand’s Laira was sold to McWilliams Wines (and later Casella Wines) with the family keeping key vineyards and taking on roles within the local industry as growers of premium quality fruit.
​
But it was after the tragic passing of Jim Brand in 2005 that the family once again moved back into winemaking, with a series of wines as a tribute to the popular winemaker.
It is with this legacy in mind, that Sam took the next step, establishing ‘Brand & Sons’ to further develop a range of wines that told the story of Coonawarra and the heritage of the Brand family.
Coonawarra Vineyard
The Brand family has one of the largest private land holdings in the Coonawarra region and manages vineyards and fruit sales for other growers. The ability to allocate premium portions of fruit each year and up-scale production as needed from our own estate vineyards is a major advantage for the business.
​
Coonawarra is renowned as one of the world’s finest wine regions with an idyllic and un-spoilt environment and the perfect climate for wine production. Coonawarra’s most famous asset is the red ‘Terra Rossa’ soils, which sit over a ridge of ancient, nutrient-rich limestone and a pure underground aquifer. The terroir is characterised by a long, cool ripening season in clean, fresh air with warm days and mild lights, which allow slow, even ripening of the grapes and maximum concentration of flavours.