Casella Family Brands (CFB) has announced the appointment of Oatley Fine Wine Merchants as its distribution partner for its premium wine portfolio in Australia.
Effective 1 July 2026, the appointment brings together three heritage Australian wine brands – Peter Lehmann Wines, Morris of Rutherglen and Brand’s Laira – with one of the country’s leading family-owned premium wine distributors.
The Oatley family’s Australian distribution business, Oatley Fine Wine Merchants, is focused on representing independent, family-owned producers and delivering tailored service to customers across the market.
CFB said the partnership was expected to unlock significant opportunities by:
- Expanding its presence in the on-premise sector and the independent retail channel
- Leveraging Oatley’s strong customer relationships and national distribution scale
- Enhancing the visibility and relevance of these brands with premium wine consumers.
Casella Family Brands Managing Director John Casella said: “Partnering with Oatley Fine Wine Merchants marks an exciting new chapter for Peter Lehmann, Morris and Brand’s Laira. Their deep relationships in on-premise and independent retail, combined with their commitment to family-owned producers, make them a natural fit for these iconic Australian brands.
“On-premise and independent wine stores are vital environments for premium wine, as they’re where consumers discover, experience and engage with brands. Strengthening our presence in these channels is a key driver of long-term brand growth.”
Oatley Fine Wine Merchants owner Sandy Oatley said: “We’re proud to welcome these respected brands to our portfolio. Their heritage and quality align strongly with our philosophy, and we look forward to accelerating their growth with our customers across Australia.”
CFB said the partnership will also enable it to focus its internal resources on driving off-premise growth and core global brands, including [yellow tail], ensuring the business continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers and consumers.