Owners Pernod Ricard Winemakers has confirmed the closure of the winery later this year and cellar door to cease on January 31 in a move which will affect 14 full-time and casual staff.

The shock move comes after an operational review of the business and the ongoing decline in the consumption of fortified wines which Morris Wines have produced and won both national and international acclaim.

Morris Wines is a fifth-generation operation which began 157 years ago.

The business was sold in 1970 to Orlando Wines, which later became Pernod Ricard Winemakers.

Winemaker David Morris is the last family link to the business, but said he wasn't allowed to comment when approached by The Border Mail.

A company spokeswoman said: "Despite many efforts over recent years, we have been unable to turn this into a sustainable operation, due to the ongoing decline in the consumption of fortified wines.

"We now need to prioritise resources to strengthen the long-term growth potential of our wine brands.

"The wellbeing of our teams is very important to us and our overriding aim is to support them through this difficult period."

Overall, the fortified category declined by 5 per cent globally from 2013-15 and declined by 4.2 per cent in Australia from 2013-15.

The winery, cellar door and 80 hectares of vineyards will be put on the market in coming weeks and The Border Mail understands there has already been interest in the business.

Pernod Ricard Winemakers doesn't intend to sell the Morris of Rutherglen brand.

Fellow Rutherglen winemaker Colin Campbell said the demise of Morris Wines was "very sad".

"I feel very sorry for Mick Morris and David Morris, the family and all the staff," he said.

"It is so sad to see such an iconic winery close its doors.

"Corporates operate differently to a family winery.

"The reputation Morris Wines had for its muscats was world renowned."

The Morris family's 83-year sponsorship of the Ovens and Murray Football League's Morris Medal is expected to continue despite the impending closure.

Pernod Ricard Australia is a subsidiary of a French-owned global beverage giant, which includes labels such as Jacob's Creek and Wyndham Estate.