A Barossa Valley winemaker has confessed on the first day of his court trial to deliberately destroying more than $60,000 worth of shiraz and chardonnay at a rival company.
Trevor David Jones pleaded guilty in Adelaide's District Court to two counts of damaging property at Kellermeister Wines at Lyndoch in February 2015.
At the time, police said nearly 25,000 litres of wine was destroyed when the taps of four storage tanks were deliberately opened.
The 59-year-old who runs his own winery, Trevor Jones Fine Wines, which is also based at Lyndoch was due to stand trial on Monday on five counts of damaging property.
But he instead pleaded guilty to two counts and the prosecution dropped the remaining three.
Jones's lawyer Mark Griffin QC told the court full restitution would be made in coming months.
He said a number of character witnesses would be called for his client when the matter returns to court.
"He has an exemplary personal history," Mr Griffin said.
Jones remains on bail ahead of sentencing submissions in October.
