A well-known historic pub in Port Adelaide has shut for the winter, with its owners saying the current economic climate has made it too difficult to keep operating.
Adam Vonthethoff, co-owner of Port and Vine, said the decision came after ongoing financial pressure left the business unable to continue without mounting losses.
He explained that the owners chose to close rather than risk falling behind on payments to staff and suppliers.
The venue, situated on the corner of Commercial Road and Divett Street, is now being offered to potential buyers or operators.
Vonthethoff said he and his partners are keen to find someone willing to take over the day-to-day running of the pub, with flexible terms available.
Despite the closure, he said the group remains committed to the property and believes in the long-term future of Port Adelaide, even though conditions are currently tough for many businesses.
The pub has a long history, dating back to 1841, when it was established by John Thomas Haynes.
It was destroyed by fire in 1857, before reopening in 1869 as the Commercial Hotel and later becoming known as the First Commercial Hotel.
More recently, it went into liquidation in May 2024 before being purchased and reopened as Port and Vine by Vonthethoff and his partners, who also own Griffins Hotel on Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Square.
The Port and Vine owners said they were very appreciative of both the support received by locals and the hard work and commitment of its team, and are hopeful that someone will be found to take over the much-loved establishment.
