Oatley Family Appoints UK & EU General Manager and UK Agent

Australian family-owned winery Robert Oatley Vineyards (ROV) has announced their intention to begin the sales and marketing of their wine in the United Kingdom and Europe with the appointment of General Manager UK & Europe, Barney Davis and UK Agent, Ehrmanns.

Now entering its sixth trading year and having established offices and distribution in the USA and Canada, ROV has become one of Australia’s fastest growing premium wine portfolios. The Oatley family feel they are now well-positioned to introduce their wines to the European market.

ROV Chief Executive Officer Anthony Roberts announced the dual appointments today, noting that both Barney Davis and Ehrmanns are proven brand builders and champions of Australian wines.

“Barney has a passion for Australian wines and has enjoyed a successful wholesale and retail wine career in the UK. We see eye to eye on the premium regional message we wish to take to the market” says Roberts.

Barney Davis joins ROV from a four year Brand & Business Development Manager role at The Company of Wine People, prior to which he enjoyed similar periods as a wine buyer at The Co-operative Group and Somerfield Stores Ltd, where he discovered the appeal of Australian wines.

An active golfer, footballer and runner, Barney finds sport provides the ideal balance to his love of wine and food. Joining the company on March 19th, he will be responsible for the sales and marketing of ROV products in the United Kingdom and across Europe, with an initial focus on Scandinavia and the Netherlands.

ROV will formally introduce their Robert Oatley portfolio to the market in May, with Ehrmanns, at the London Wine Trade Fair. The wines are produced under the guidance of the multi-award winning Larry Cherubino, Director of Winemaking, from premier Australian regions including Margaret River, McLaren Vale, Mornington Peninsula and Mudgee and will retail in the growing premium wine sector. They wines are very modern in style, with bright fruit flavours, moderate alcohol levels and refreshing natural acidity.

“We’re delighted to have our Robert Oatley portfolio represented in the UK by Ehrmanns.” says Roberts, “Renowned as one of the most dynamic suppliers to the wine trade, Ehrmanns are a well established importer with a history of pioneering emerging wine producing countries. We have no doubt that they’re the ideal partner – thanks to their multi channel approach – to take our brands to the On Trade and Premium Grocery sector as well as emerging markets such as Independents and E-commerce.”