Casella Family Brands Appoints Oatley Fine Wine Merchants as Premium Portfolio Distribution Partner in Australia

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 partnership will see Oatley represent a CFB’s iconic Australian brands, including Peter Lehmann Wines, Morris of Rutherglen and Brand’s Laira in the on-premise and independent retail channels.

Oatley Fine Wine Merchants, part of the Oatley family business, specialises in representing independent, family-owned producers and delivering tailored service to customers nationwide. The partnership is expected to unlock meaningful growth opportunities by:

  • Expanding CFB’s presence in the on-premise sector and independent retail channel
  • Leveraging Oatley’s strong customer relationships and national distribution network
  • Enhancing brand visibility and relevance among premium wine consumers

John Casella, Managing Director, Casella Family Brands, 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 venues 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.”

Sandy Oatley, Owner, Oatley Fine Wine Merchants, added: “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.”

The partnership will also enable Casella Family Brands to focus internal resources on accelerating growth in off-premise channels and its core global brands, including [yellow tail], ensuring the business continues to meet the evolving needs of customers and consumers.