Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has officially opened a new $15 million in-house facility dedicated to low-alcohol and non-alcoholic wine production in the Barossa Valley.
Following a $165 million winemaking expansion in 2022, the opening aims to bolster the technological credentials and reputation of Australian wine.
Taking more than two years to build, the new facility houses customised and exclusive equipment that enables winemakers to maintain wine quality. It features state-of-the-art dealcoholisation technology, complemented by patent-pending processes for treating the aromatic components of wine.
“This world-leading facility cements our position as a global pioneer in winemaking,” said TWE chief supply and sustainability officer, Kerrin Petty.
“This state-of-the-art technology and proprietary process for de-alcoholisation is our latest step in building a hub of innovation, technology and sustainability in the Barossa Valley, where we’ve been crafting wine to delight consumers for more than a century.”
The $15 million facility is set to produce the next generation of low and no-alcohol wines for brands including Squealing Pig and Pepperjack. A new Sorbet range will also be introduced in partnership with Endeavour Group.
“The new Sorbet range is a high quality, diversified selection of lower-alcohol wine that responds to consumers wanting refreshment in their drink,” said head of commercial wine for Endeavour Group, Leigh Firkin.
“For consumers, the artisanal nature of wine needs to be reflected in lower-alcohol alternatives as much as full-strength versions – and that comes through with a fresh take on classic varietals in Sorbet.”
IWSR forecasts a five per cent compound annual growth rate for the no and low-alcohol wine market between 2024 and 2028. Its data shows that 50 per cent of wine drinkers base purchasing decisions on taste alone. TWE group winemaker Toby Barlow says the de-alcoholisation process will improve taste and give consumers more choice.
“The complex interaction of aromas and flavours that reflect people and place is part of the joy of wine,” said Barlow.
“Blending our winemaking credentials with customised technology helps us create great-tasting wine that has less alcohol, or none at all.
“We’re creating products and consumer experiences that we know wine lovers all over the world are looking for.”
TWE’s portfolio is available in more than 70 countries and includes brands such as Penfolds, DAOU Vineyards, 19 Crimes, Wynns, Matua, Beaulieu Vineyard and Frank Family Vineyards.