The dream was ignited into reality the day James McIlwain and Helen Roche were enjoying a glass of Carmenere in the elegant House of Morande restaurant in the Casablanca Valley in Chile.

Their shared passion for fine wine and travel had led them to South America where they identified the opportunity to secure the exclusive rights to bring Morande’s outstanding stable of wines to Australia.

A similar moment at Vina Undurraga soon created the chance to expand James and Helen’s offering for Australian wine connoisseurs… and Southern Cross Wine Merchants was born.

Along this journey, the values that James and Helen have held true to themselves all their life, have emerged as the fundamental attributes of Southern Cross Wine Merchants.

Quality, reliability, honesty and enjoyment are the cornerstones of their business.

James and Helen are committed to consistently delivering well priced premium products for wine lovers to savour. In a market that desires choice, Southern Cross Wines Merchants gives Australians a chance to discover exclusive taste sensations through our portfolio of new world wines.

Southern Cross Wines Merchants has a long term plan to surprise and delight the discerning market with a unique selection of quality international products.

Behind their passion for introducing Australians to new premium wines is also a desire to give back. James and Helen have an ultimate goal of ensuring their business not only provides wonderful experiences for their clients and consumers but will help nurture those less fortunate now and in the future.

The symbol we have chosen for our business is the Inca representation of the Southern Cross. The whole new world all lies beneath its stars.