Izak Rankine, Alex Carey, Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald join forces in Barossa Valley winery buy
A group of sport, media and business identities, including Crows star Izak Rankine and cricketer Alex Carey has bought a historic winery in the Barossa Valley.
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A high profile group of sport, media, business and legal identities, including Crows star Izak Rankine, Test cricketer Alex Carey and radio host Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald, has snapped up a historic winery in the Barossa Valley, with plans for a major redevelopment to “reinvigorate the winery’s presence on the national and international stage”.
The syndicate has acquired Bethany Wines from the Schrapel family, which established the winery in 1981 after a long history in the region dating back to the 1840s.
Rankine, Carey and Fitzy have joined forces with Crows veteran Brodie Smith, businessmen Graham Hobbs and Leigh Curyer, and Adelaide lawyers Garry Winter, Dimitris Parhas and Brendon Roberts KC in the acquisition of what they describe as one of the state’s “most historically significant wineries”.
It sparks a new rivalry between Adelaide’s two AFL clubs, with Port Adelaide great Tom Jonas running the Barossa Valley’s Hey Diddle Wines label with ex-teammate Brad Ebert and winemaker Ben Chipman since 2017.
A sale price for the Bethany Wines deal has not been disclosed.
“The new owners, a diverse group of South Australians passionate about wine, culture and community, are deeply honoured to take the reins of this historic estate,” the syndicate said in a statement.
“Together, they bring a shared vision to elevate Bethany Wines into a premier destination venue within the globally acclaimed Barossa region.
“Plans are already underway to expand the cellar door experience, enhance visitor facilities, and showcase the estate’s breathtaking views, natural waterfall, and unique location along the famous Heysen Trail.
“Future developments will include premium accommodation, spaces for weddings and events, and an exciting entertainment collaboration designed to reinvigorate the winery’s presence on the national and international stage.”
Schrapel family patriarch Johann Schrapel planted shiraz grapes from cuttings carried from Europe in Bethany, near Tanunda, in 1852, making the family’s vineyards some of the oldest in the region.
Brothers Robert and Geoff Schrapel, representing the fifth generation of the family, established the Bethany Wines winery and label in 1981. They’ve been looking to sell the business for about two years as part of their retirement plans.
“Their stewardship has been instrumental in shaping the identity of the winery and securing its position as a cornerstone of South Australia’s winemaking history,” the buying syndicate said of the brothers.
“Bethany Wines now enters a new chapter – rooted in heritage, guided by local passion, and driven by a bold commitment to restoring its status as one of the world’s great wine destinations.”
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Originally published as Izak Rankine, Alex Carey, Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald join forces in Barossa Valley winery buy
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