Sam Brand has since devoted himself to re-establishing the Brand name as a formidable force in the Coonawarra wine scene, officially launching Brand and Sons in 2012. It was the first time in over two decades that the family had commercially put their own name to a label after selling off the Brands Laiara company in the late eighties.
The project is very much a tribute not only to his own father but to the legacy of the Brand family within the region with each new release telling its own story.
Sam says ‘Dad was absolutely committed to his role at Brands Laira and was highly regarded in the industry, not only for his success on the show circuit, but for his generous and friendly nature. He was very proud of his family and our heritage, and it means a lot to be able to fulfill his dream by releasing wines under his name. Small batches of premium wines, made in the heart of Coonawarra.’
‘I grew up in Coonawarra, which was a unique experience. As kids, we were sticking labels on bottles and now I’m doing what we did in the past, which is making wine’.
At present, there is no cellar, with Sam using facilities at Bellweather Winery and at Jack Estate, both in the heart of the district. In December 2022, Sam was joined by winemaker, Peter Weinberg. Peter had been assistant under Jim at Brands Laira and had taken on the role of head winemaker after Jim’s untimely death.
A family run wine shop that specialises in small, family run wine producers, organic and vegan wines
Tues, Wed, Thurs 11am - 8pm
Friday & Saturday 10am - 8pm
Sunday & Monday Closed
16 Bell St, St Andrews, KY16 9UX
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