Cumulus Wines Announces Berardo Group of Portugal as New Strategic Partner

Orange, Australia —- CUMULUS WINES’ Chairman, Peter Wedgewood, today announced the 51% purchase by the Berardo Group of Portugal by saying: “CUMULUS has become one of the most exciting new wine companies in the past five years. We have created and developed the popular new cool climate, high altitude labels ROLLING Estate Wines, and CLIMBING Wines, have the exclusive distribution rights to the PHILIP SHAW wines brand, and have been very successful in building major sales and marketing platforms in Australia, USA and Europe in a relatively short period of time.”

From day one, CUMULUS has had an objective to join with a wine industry partner that had a global presence, one who could offer depth, breadth, experience and extensive resources. With this new partnership, CUMULUS marks the end of the business restructuring plan that commenced in 2004; which was initiated to attract the right people and build suitable international distribution. “CUMULUS has more work to do, but we have made significant strides in all areas, including welcoming our new partner, the Berardo Group,” states Wedgewood.

The Berardo Group are the owners of prestigious wine estates in Portugal, notably the scenic and historic property; “Quinta da Bacalhoa” and the larger scale Caves Alianca. They are also joint venture partners with Baron Eric de Rothschild, of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, in Quinta do Carmo. Their other major strategic wine investments include a 33% stake in Portugal’s largest winemaker, Sogrape Vinhos, a 50% stake in Colio Estate Wines, one of Canada’s significant winemakers, and a 25% stake in Henriques and Henriques Lda. of Madeira. (Sogrape is the owner of the Mateus Rose and Sandeman brands.) The Berardo group is led by Jose Manuel (Joe) Berardo, a leading Portuguese entrepreneur and international businessman. Berardo is a noted collector of modern art, and has recently opened his private collection up to public viewing, in a new gallery in Lisbon.

CUMULUS WINES, which is led by seasoned wine industry executive, CEO Jeffrey Wilkinson, has made significant progress since commencing in 2004. Using compelling strategies, based on superior wine quality, regionality and contemporary labelling, the wines have quickly achieved trade and consumer acceptance. Dedicated sales forces have been established in Australia, the United States and Europe. As the U.S. is the largest wine market in the world, CUMULUS’ U.S. sales platform was of particular interest to the Berardo Group.

“We are honored to be welcoming the Berardo Group as a partner. This will reinforce the positive consumer endorsement of our new wines and brand. ROLLING and CLIMBING are now selling in 23 countries, and we have built a significant investment in our U.S. business. It is extremely gratifying for all involved with CUMULUS, that these achievements have been acknowledged by the Berardo Group.” Jeffrey Wilkinson said.

With the combination of a new shareholder partner and a dynamic management, CUMULUS plans to continue to deliver solid growth and exciting results. Assettinsure Pty Ltd is delighted to continue as a co-investor and partner with Berardo Group.


Contacts:
Jeffrey Wilkinson, CEO Cumulus P: 011 61 02 89772811
E: jwilkinson@cumulus.com.au

Ron Mertz, Managing Director U.S. P: 913 338 4433
E: rmertz@cumuluswines.com

For U.S. wine media information:
Kimberly Charles, Charles Communications P: 415 730 0064 E: kcharles@charlescomm.com