Fine Wine Partners had previously distributed the brand, but that agreement changed when Accolade Wines bought the Australian wine business, owned by Lion, late last year.

“We would like to sincerely thank the Fine Wine Partners team for their efforts in building Innocent Bystander into one of the most well-known and contemporary brands in the Australian market,” said Brown Brothers Chief Executive Officer Dean Carroll.

“The Brown Brothers team are thrilled to welcome the much loved Innocent Bystander wines into our sales portfolio. IB adds a fantastic balance of quality, creativity and fun that broadens the demographic appeal of our range.”

Brown Brothers has been growing its presence in Tasmania over the last few years and it’s no surprise with the state’s cool climate grapes now among the most sought after by Australian wineries. 

The company also owns Tasmanian brands Devil’s Corner, Tamar Ridge and Pirie, and Innocent Bystander joined its portfolio in April 2016.

The Innocent Bystander headquarters will be located in Healesville in the Yarra Valley, close to the Brown Brothers homestead in Milawa. The new location which opened earlier in March will also act as a cellar door for the brand, allowing consumers to come and visit, try the wines and extended food and coffee offering.

Carroll added, “The Brown Brothers team is extremely enthusiastic about taking responsibility for the sales and marketing efforts behind the brand and this combined with the launch of our new consumer experience site in Healesville marks an exciting time for the next stage of the brand’s development.”

Read More at source: Drinks Bulletin