Generational success in sustainable winemaking

Top-quality red sandy soil, the best climate for optimum grape production, and right next to the Murray River – it’s the perfect spot for a burgeoning winery. Through three generations of Peace family toil the ‘country retreat’ vineyard produced its first vintage in 1995 and a commercial winery was born. Every vintage since has accompanied another chapter of family life with celebrations, milestones, and happy memories.

From its humble beginnings with a grape intake of 1711 tonnes, Andrew Peace Wines has grown to be one of Australia’s largest family-owned wineries, crushing over 50,000 tonnes per year in the heart of Swan Hill.

The winery is on the cutting edge, driven by world-class business acumen and utilising first-class technology. It’s proud to be consistently among the top 20 performing Australian wine exporters and enjoys sharing award-winning wines with the world.

AP Wines started as a decision to get out of the city and the Peace family hasn’t looked back. “Nurtured from the rich Murray riverbank soil, the vineyard was established in the 1980s,” says Jim Peace. “We’re forever expanding and see no problems with increasing our vineyard capacity.”

“We’re always looking at other opportunities in expanding our professional business acumen that may lead into other industries with agriculture, tourism and hospitality to highlight our existing business.”

“Agriculture continues to be the significant employer in the region, which then passes on to hospitality, tourism, healthcare, schools, etc. There is also growth in natural minerals mining and alternative energy. The river is a great source of attraction, not only for its beauty but for many activities and the natural source of water for our agricultural needs. Our farm alone grows enough to provide 50,000 people with the calorific value to sustain them for a year.”

“Swan Hill is worth the move. Give it a go. The costs can be so much lower than within a city and you will be surprised how the locals will support and encourage you to be successful. There’s always support, you just need to know who to ask and what to ask. As someone will know someone who knows someone.”