Brown Brothers has always been one of those names that feels stitched into the story of Australian wine. Four generations in Milawa, a pioneering streak that brought Moscato and Prosecco into the mainstream, and a family legacy that started with a modest vineyard back in 1889. What’s especially cool is the way that legacy now sits in the hands of three sisters helping lead one of Australia’s most iconic family owned wineries into its next era.
Emma, Caroline and Katherine Brown are part of the fourth generation and their path into leadership wasn’t a given. It was intentional, thoughtful and backed by plenty of time spent outside the family fold. As Emma puts it, “any family member must work outside the business for at least four years, with a relevant degree and experience, before joining in a suitable role… Deep down, we always wanted to contribute to the family legacy, but each of us took very different paths to get here.”
Their resumes read like a modern wine version of a three piece puzzle. “Advertising and communications for me, sales and winemaking for Katherine, and consumer goods marketing for Emma,” says Caroline. The mix is by design and something the sisters see as an advantage. “Our cousins also have impressive resumes, and we all learn from each other. That diversity is a real strength.”
Leading with heritage and heart
Brown Brothers might be 136 years old, but it has never felt dusty. Innovation has always been part of their DNA. The family created entire new styles that reshaped Australia’s palate, championed varieties long before they were cool, and even built their own mini experimental winery, lovingly known as the Kindergarten, where curiosity runs the show.
But behind all that innovation sits a deep sense of responsibility. Katherine says, “A 136 year legacy is something we never take for granted… We lead with a long term view. Sustainability and continuity matter more than short term gains because we want to pass this business on to future generations.”
That long term mindset comes with a human angle too. “While tough decisions are inevitable, our people remain at the heart of everything we do,” she says.
Taking up space in a traditionally male world
Wine has historically been a pretty male dominated industry. Even the name Brown Brothers leans masculine enough that the sisters joke about rebranding. “We’ve always felt empowered to lead and have even joked about changing the name to Brown Sisters,” says Caroline.
Gender balance is strong across the company today, with women actually outnumbering men in their generation eight to two. And yet it’s motherhood that has shifted their leadership lens the most. Katherine says, “Becoming mothers in the last six years has shifted our perspective… Raising the fifth generation makes us think harder about long term impacts.”
Creating a workplace their kids could one day proudly join is now part of the mission. That includes championing diversity, nurturing talent and standing by quality above everything else.
Working with family can be chaotic at the best of times, but the sisters have found a rhythm that works. Emma says, “Like any sisters, we can be each other’s biggest supporters and toughest critics… We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses inside out, which helps us divide and conquer.”
But even the gnarly conversations can end with a well deserved and shared glass of wine at the end of the day. “We remind ourselves that the business’s success comes before individual success, which fosters mutual respect and trust.”
Innovation that pushes the whole industry forward
Although Brown Brothers is steeped in history, they’ve never been afraid to shake things up. Emma explains it best. “People often ask how we balance heritage with innovation. The truth is, innovation has been in our DNA from the start… Today, that’s evident in styles like Moscato and Prosecco, market leading wines that created new occasions and challenged conventions.”
“Innovation is a really big part of our business. We’re not just looking at new grape varieties, we’re also looking at new places to plant grapes, new ways to make wine, and new ways of packaging and marketing the wine.”
Advice for the next generation of women in wine
“Wine is unique. You can study almost any field and find a role, from hospitality to finance, science to sales, machinery to marketing… My advice? Come join the family!” says Caroline.
What makes a Brown Brothers wine, Brown Brothers
Katherine boils it down with zero hesitation. “Quality. We’re known for consistency and take immense pride in that… Brown Brothers delivers stylistically exquisite wines with taste and reputation at the forefront.”
What they’re proud of and what’s still ahead
The sisters name their people first. “We’re proud of the incredible people who’ve worked with us for decades and the talent we continue to attract. We’re proud to remain family owned and to be custodians of its future.”
And there are still plenty of dreams brewing in Milawa.
Katherine is excited about “leading in sessionable, lighter style wines while maintaining winemaking excellence.”
Caroline’s focus is on expanding their zero alcohol range for the sober-curious. “We have the best tasting options, and more people need to try them.”
Emma? She’s thinking big picture. “Setting the benchmark for family business globally with strong succession planning and governance to thrive under family ownership.”
A fourth generation winery led by women, built on innovation, and still pushing boundaries more than a century on. The Brown sisters aren’t just inheriting a legacy. They’re shaping the next chapter.
Check out their full story here, and visit Brown Brothers online to see their incredible range of wines.