Staff have lost their jobs at Lindeman’s after its owner Treasury Wine Estates announced it would close the cellar door and its 1843 Harvest Café at Pokolbin.
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The closure will take place on Friday.
Management said review and extensive upgrade of the iconic winery will take place after the business arms have ceased trading.
A spokesperson for Treasury Wine Estate said a small number of permanent full time roles will be impacted along with a number of casual roles.
However, they said it is possible that some casual roles will still be retained.
“At this stage it is not clear how long the review will require as we’re in the early stages of the process,” the spokesperson said.
“However we have decided it would be more effective to develop the plans for upgrade without trying to maintain all of the current operations at the same time.”
“The facilities are in need of a significant upgrade of both the look and feel of the interior, as well as the tourism facilities and attractions,” the spokesperson said.
“The Hunter Valley is a prime location for national and international visitors, so it’s important for the company to consider a range of concepts.
“We’re still in the early stages of reviewing all of the potential options for the site.”
The spokesperson said Treasury Wine Estates has been in consultation with the employees impacted earlier this week.
Lindeman’s function centre will continue to operate while the plan for the overall site is being developed.
Lindeman’s was established in 1843 in the Hunter Valley and became part of the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio in 2011 (when the wine arm of Foster’s demerged from the parent company and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange).
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) is one of the world’s largest wine companies, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Its brands include Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Lindemans and Beringer.
Lindeman's Ben Ean Cellar Door is a key attraction in the Hunter Valley wine region, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors every year.
Lindeman's wine is enjoyed in over 100 countries around the world.
The first Lindeman's wine to venture overseas was in 1858, when Lindeman's Cawarra Claret was exported to the United Kingdom.
By 1862, Lindeman's wines were being exhibited widely around the world and Lindeman's Cawarra gained international recognition at the International Exhibition, London.
It was in the 1980s that Lindeman's most well-known wine was created.
Lindeman's iconic Bin 65 Chardonnay was launched in Canada in 1985.
