Redbank Wines rescues Gapsted winery from receivership
What's the deal? Redbank Wines, a North East Victorian wine business, has acquired Gapsted Estate WineryDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → from its administrator. Terms were not disclosed.
Why now? Gapsted Estate went into receivership in December 2025. The acquisition gives Redbank a fully established 11,500 tonne winery and cellar door in the Alpine Valley.
Who's behind it? Redbank is owned by three families — principals Phil Ross, Gerald Judd and Michael Murtagh — who also own parts of Buller WinesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and hold vineyard assets across Rutherglen and the Myrrhee Ridge. The families bought Redbank from the Hill-Smith family of Yalumba Wines in 2018.
What's the endgame? The deal gives a single home to the group's Redbank, Gapsted and Vic Alps brands. The owners plan to grow Gapsted's cellar door, wholesale and online channels, and to build a wine tourism presence for the Redbank range at the new winery.
"The acquisition of the winery and brands will increase our focus on the quality and diversity of the King Valley and Alpine Valley," Murtagh said. He added that the group would "add to the diversity and quality of the existing Gapsted brands while keeping the traditions of the winery alive."
The signal: The deal shows established regional players stepping in to consolidate assets after a distressed sale, preserving brands, growers and jobs rather than letting them disappear.
Read more: wbmonline.com.au
Image credit: Jocey K
