British, American and later, Chinese wine markets grew.
China came to represent 40 percent of Australia’s wine export market, until China’s devastating announcement of a 200 percent tariff on Australian wine.
It’s challenges such as these that Chris said FABAL survived because of his staff and the relationships within the Barossa Valley that his team have built over three decades with major customers including Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Accolade Wines and Treasury Wine Estates.
“We take our relationships and connection with the Barossa very seriously,” said Chris.
Despite international acclaim, it’s FABAL’s smaller business partners in the Barossa that Chris said have a special place in his heart.
“We supply grapes to Hentley Farm, Langmeil, Corryton Burge, Turkey Flat, Spinifex Wines and many others,” said Chris.
“We work to imbibe the love affair that people have with their own region. The Barossa is a microcosm, a region so unique to South Australia,” said Chris.
FABAL has since expanded solely from agribusiness to agri-tourism in the Barossa region, with joint ventures in skincare and chocolate.