Maxwell Wines has acquired fellow McLaren Vale wine label Fox Creek Wines, pledging to keep it “in local hands”.  

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

In a statement, Maxwell Wines founder and winemaker Jeremy Maxwell said: "Maxwell Wines acquired the Fox Creek brand with the goal of honouring that legacy and bringing it into its next chapter through innovation and quality winemaking."

The deal enables Maxwell Wines, also located in the McLaren Vale region, to take over the Fox Creek label.  

Separate agreements have been established for other assets sitting within the Fox Creek group, Maxwell told Just Drinks. These include the Fox Creek Cellar Door and the homestead site.

Fox Creek, based in South Australia’s McLaren Vale region, entered voluntary administration in October 2024, appointing Tim Mableson of KMPG's Australian arm as an administrator.

The appointment of voluntary administrators covered three entities within the Fox Creek Wines group: Bibere Australian Beverages, trading as Fox Creek Wines, Crescere Australian Vineyards and Opportuna Investments.

In a statement, Maxwell Wines said it intends to “preserve the brand’s integrity while breathing new life into its operations”. 

Maxwell Wines also said the deal comes as the Australian wine industry is “facing complex challenges” such as “shifting consumer behaviours”, “export market volatility and rising production costs”. 

Tim Mableson, KPMG turnaround & restructuring partner, said: "Maxwell brings a strong pedigree in the making and distribution of quality wines. Their vision, commitment and deep ties to the local community will provide the ideal platform for Fox Creek Wines to flourish for years to come”. 

Commenting further on the latest transaction, Jeremy Maxwell said: “Our intention is to honour the history of the brand and continue to make their signature wines true-to-style."

He added: “At its core, this acquisition is about keeping McLaren Vale wines in local hands, supporting the regional community, growers, and preserving the stories that define South Australian wine.” 

Maxwell Wines' founder told Just Drinks that both businesses have a “strong presence" in Australia and around the world, available in retail, on-premise, and direct-to-consumer channels. 

Maxwell Wines, a privately owned family business, owns and operates a vineyard in McLaren Vale and works with a network of growers to maintain consistent quality, he added.