Mansfield’s award-winning Delatite Wines up for sale as owner looks to expand

The owner of an award-winning winery with stunning views of the Victorian Alps is seeking to expand the estate’s horizons, but he needs a partner.

Delatite Wines owner David Ritchie is looking to expand his award-winning winery, but he needs a partner. Picture: Connor Vaughan

The owner of a award-winning winery located at the foothills of the Victorian Alps is looking for a partner to help turn his vineyard into a major regional tourist hotspot.

Delatite Wines, located in Mansfield, was opened by Vivienne and Robert Ritchie in 1968, a farming family who have been in the Victorian high country for more than 140 years.

The winery is rated in the top 3 per cent of wineries in Australia and has been rated a five red star winery by renowned Australian wine critic James Halliday since 2009.

Vivienne and Robert’s son, David, has been in charge of the winery since 2006.

In 2011, the Vestey family from the UK joined in partnership with Mr Ritchie, who together were able to plant more vineyards, build a new cellar door and a tasting room.

David Ritchie has been in charge of Delatite Wines for nearly 20 years. Picture: Emily McCormack

George Vestey, who is Mr Ritchie’s brother in-law, is now seeking to sell his share of the winery having “achieved what we wanted to achieve together”, Mr Ritchie said.

Mr Ritchie said in partnership they had created an “international experience with unbelievably beautiful views for people who came and taste wine, eat food and have functions”.

“They helped us do that,” Mr Ritchie said.

The winery has received planning approval to have accommodation on the property, which is set to be 14 luxury villas located on the property.

Mr Ritchie said the opportunity was there to help make the accommodation possible.

The winery has won a host of architecture awards. Picture: Derek Swalwell

. Wine and food lovers can enjoy a meal looking out onto Mount Buller. Picture: Derek Swalwell

“We just need someone to come and help with that project,” Mr Ritchie said.

Mr Ritchie has plans to turn his winery into a something more than just grapes, lunch and cheese boards.

“Delatite has the most beautiful position overlooking Mount Buller and The Alps, I think it’s very much an integrated hospitality tourism destination venue rather than just a winery and vineyard, even though they are very important for our sustainability and our heritage,” he said.

Mr Ritchie hopes to keep his share and work alongside a new partner to develop the winery.

Mr Ritchie said Delatite Wines were most well known for their aromatic wines, but in recent years developed a “terrific” tempranillo.

Delatite Wines has been in the Ritchie family for more than 50 years. Picture: Derek Swalwell

The stunning views you can enjoy while sipping on a glass of wine. Picture: James Davidson

The overhaul of its cellar door saw Delatite win a host of honours at the Australian Institute of Architects awards, including the 2023 Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture and the 2023 Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture.

Mr Ritchie said expressions of interest would remain open for another five or six weeks.