St Hugo to enliven snowy peaks of Thredbo

Leading Australian ski resort Thredbo has paired with premium wine brand St Hugo to end the 2026 snow season in style. 

Barossa-born St Hugo has announced a partnership with Thredbo Resort to bring new zing to the Snowy Mountains.

It is the first time in Thredbo's history that the resort has partnered with a wine brand and St Hugo will "deliverir a series of elevated wine, dining and hospitality experiences across the mountain".

At  the heart of the partnership, St Hugo is the first-ever presenting partner of the iconic Kareela Snowcat Dinners - one of Australia's most unusual alpine dining experiences. Accessible only via a scenic snowcat journey through the snow-covered mountains, the experience pairs food, fine wine and views from high above the resort.

Throughout the season, guests will also be able to enjoy St Hugo wines across Thredbo's venues, including Cascades, Kareela Hutte and the Lounge Bar. 

From Friday, August 21, to Sunday, August 23, the mountain will come alive with the St Hugo Sessions at Kareela Hutte, featuring DJs and an elevated après-ski atmosphere. 

As part of the partnership, St Hugo will also unveil the inaugural St Hugo Chalet Experience, an invitation-only alpine residence where guests will be immersed in the world of St Hugo through a curated program of wine, culinary and alpine experiences. 

"There are few destinations in Australia as iconic as Thredbo, making it the perfect setting for St Hugo's first alpine partnership," brand owner Vinarchy APAC marketing director Amy Darvill said:

"As the first wine brand to partner with the resort, we're excited to bring together exceptional wine, dining and hospitality through a series of experiences that celebrate the best of the Australian snow season."

Thredbo Partnerships & MTB Business Manager, Tim Windshuttle, said: "We're delighted to welcome St Hugo as Thredbo's first-ever wine partner. From the Kareela Hutte Snowcat Dinners to the St Hugo Sessions and exclusive hospitality experiences throughout the season, this partnership adds an exciting new dimension to the Thredbo experience."

For more info visit sthugo.com. 

Maximum exposure: It's Vinarchy in the AFL

AFL fans better get used to quaffing some new Barossa wine after the league announced a partnership with leading global wine company Vinarchy.

The deal will see prominent Australian wine brand Grant Burge Wines as the Official Wine Partner of the AFL, AFLW and AFL-owned Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

The four-year partnership, which starts immediately, will see widespread exposure for Barossa-born brand.

Grant Burge Wines will be poured at all AFL and AFLW-owned events, including the AFL Brownlow Medal and AFLW Awards, as well as across key hospitality and event spaces within Marvel Stadium.

AFL executive general manager customer, commercial and technology (what a job title!) Bec Haagsma said the partnership is built on shared values.

“There is a strong alignment between both organisations in creating memorable experiences and both share a passion for bringing people together - we can’t wait to work with the team at Vinarchy across the next four years,” she said.

Established in 2025 following the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Vinarchy combines Vin (the French word for wine), with Archy (from the Ancient Greek word for leadership). Together it means wine leadership.

The AFL’s previous wine deal was with Pepperjack. 
See www.vinarchy.com

 

Vinarchy now in total control

 

Here is one for wine industry nerds:

Giant global wine business Vinarchy has officially assumed full distribution of its portfolio of world-leading wine brands acquired form Pernod Ricard, including Jacob’s Creek, Stoneleigh, Church Road and Campo Viejo.

The transition, effective from September, marks a major milestone since the completion of the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers to create Vinarchy earlier this year.

These leading brands can now be ordered directly through Vinarchy in Australia and New Zealand, following the conclusion of a short transitional distribution arrangement with Pernod Ricard.

The transition is backed by dedicated local teams in both markets, including a newly formed commercial team in New Zealand under general manager Kiri Hyde. 

Andrew Clarke, managing director, Australia and Zealand at Vinarchy, said the change strengthens the company’s leadership position in wine and long-term commitment to growing the category.

“This is a major milestone for Vinarchy, enabling us to work even more closely with our trade partners across our portfolio of incredible brands.

“We are excited to be able to deliver an even stronger wine focus and offer for our customers and consumers and look forward to working together to grow the wine category.”

Vinarchy will continue to partner with Hancocks in New Zealand to distribute and represent the legacy Accolade portfolio of brands including Grant Burge, Hardy's, Mud House and Jam Shed.

Vinarchy was created in May 2025 through the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard’s wine portfolios in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, making Vinarchy one of the world’s largest dedicated wine companies.

See www.vinarchy.com

Vinarchy rings in the changes, including closing Banrock Station

The new Vinarchy global wine business has only been in existence for a few weeks, but major changes are already afoot. 

Among the changes announced this week: 

* The new business will invest $30 million to establish its Rowland Flat winery in the Barossa as a centre of excellence for premium and sparkling winemaking.

* Berri Estates in the Riverland will become Vinarchy’s primary commercial winemaking, packaging, and warehousing hub.

* Winemaking currently undertaken at the St Hallett winery in the Barossa and Hardy’s Tintara winery in McLaren Vale will see production moved to Rowland Flat for the 2026 and 2027 vintages respectively.

* The Banrock Station visitor centre and wetlands will close. 

* The company's global headquarters will be in Adelaide. 

“Adopting this twin-hub structure at Berri Estates and Rowland Flat allows us to consolidate our resources and expertise, strengthening the business and ensuring we remain competitive in the face of ongoing challenges in the global wine market,” said Joe Russo, Vinarchy’s Chief Supply Officer. 

“These important changes represent Vinarchy’s commitment to building a stronger winemaking footprint in South Australia.

“Both St Hallett and Hardys are critical brands for Vinarchy and we recognise the rich local history they have in the Barossa and McLaren Vale. 

@While our winemaking will move, our commitment to quality wines, local sourcing and premium cellar door experiences for these brands do not change.

“These wines will be made with the same grapes from the same regions, by the same winemakers, just at another winery.”

Vinarchy says it is committed to maintaining a compelling and sustainable cellar door footprint by focusing investment behind its primary brand experiences in South Australia: Jacob’s Creek, St Hugo (top image), Hardys, St Hallett, Grant Burge, Katnook Estate and Petaluma.

As part of these plans, Rolf Binder and Banrock Station cellar door and restaurant operations will close, although vineyard and viticulture operations at these sites will be unaffected.

"Vinarchy recognises these changes may create uncertainty for team members and is committed to supporting its people as changes are implemented progressively over the next 12 months," Russo added.

“We are deeply mindful of the impact these changes may have on our people.

“Where roles are affected, we are committed to supporting our teams through redeployment opportunities to other locations in many cases, or, where necessary, redundancy and outplacement support. We will continue to consult closely with our teams over the coming months as we make this transition.”

Vinarchy says it remains committed to its long-standing partnerships with regional suppliers and premium grape growers across the Riverland, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, the Barossa and Coonawarra. 

Looking ahead, the newly appointed CEO of the merger between Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers Danny Celoni said: “I believe Vinarchy is well positioned to play a leading role in the future growth and expansion of the wine category. 

"Our rich heritage, combined with our established brands, capabilities, and unwavering commitment to customer and consumer centricity provides an exceptional platform for driving core category growth, differentiated innovation and value creation.”

Saddle up for a unique vineyard experience

Adelaide Hills winery Petaluma is the 29th wine producer to join Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, a collective of premium producers offering winery experiences across the country.

Petaluma makes premium wines from vineyard sites across South Australia, including the Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra and the Clare Valley.

Located just 40 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, in Woodside, the Petaluma cellar door offers a range of experiences along with spectacular views.

Petaluma is also home to the Croser sparkling range, although founder Brian Croser is no longer involved.

Petaluma's tourism offerings include a Private Horse Trail Ride experience which invites guests on a guided horseback journey through the vineyards, complete with commentary on the history of the brand, which dates back to 1976.

Horses are matched to guests’ needs from nearby Hallmark Farm in Woodside, owned by dual Olympian Megan Jones and husband James Deacon. The ride is followed by a private wine tasting, finishing with a platter of savoury and sweet delicacies paired with a glass of Croser Vintage Sparkling, served outside on the spectacular deck or by the fire in the cooler months.

Guests can also discover the Museum Release Glass Room Experience, which features a mix of super-premium current and back vintage wines from the Petaluma Museum Cellar matched with a three-course tasting menu from Woodside Providore.

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia’s executive officer Sarah Myers said she was thrilled to welcome Petaluma to the collective.

“Petaluma brings a unique new dimension to Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia,” she said. “Guests can taste wines not only from the cool-climate Adelaide Hills, but from iconic regions around South Australia – providing them with a diverse experience that broadens their perspective on South Australian wines,” she said.

Andrew McDowell from Vinarchy, the owners of Petaluma, said “We are very proud to have Petaluma join this exceptional cohort of Australia’s premium wineries.

“Our experiences focus on highlighting the region, and with Petaluma we are blessed to be in the heart of the beautiful Adelaide Hills,” said McDowell.

See https://www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au/

Vinarchy in SA: global wine giant has big plans for South African brands

The giant new Vinarchy wine business includes two South African brands known for producing affordable bottles.

Straight after taking over Pernod Ricard’s still wine portfolio in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, Vinarchy confirmed the new brand has big plans for Flagstone and Kumala brands, which were previously part of Accolade.

Accolade was bought out of effective bankruptcy two years ago by a consortium of international backers led by global investment house Bain & Co.

Kumala’s wines are produced in several key areas within the Western Cape, including Olifants River, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.

Flagstone, based at Somerset West, occupies the site of a former De Beers dynamite factory an sources fruit from vineyards that stretch from cool Walker Bay region to the warmer Darling district.

The South African labels - which offer the benefit of lower production costs - are part of a stable of brands including Jacob’s Creek, Hardys, St Hugo, Petaluma, St Hallett and Orlando from Australia; Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh, Church Road and Mud House from New Zealand; and Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus and Azpilicueta from Spain.

“South African wine is an important category for our retail customers, particularly in Europe and the UK,” said Ben Clarke, Vinarchy’s executive chair.

“Flagstone and Kumala cater to that market. Our brands will continue to have their own identities under Vinarchy, with the benefit of being part of a global network.

“Through our global distribution network, we are incredibly proud to share our wines in almost every corner of the world,” Clarke told drinksbusiness.

“Our portfolio has something to offer everyone and every hip pocket, from premium fine wine to some of the world’s most popular global brands.”

So expect to see more of the South African brands on the global stage - particular in supermarkets and at lower price points.

“Labour accounts for 60% of any vineyard’s operating costs, and in the South African context, we have sufficient labour,” says Dr Erna Blancquaert, a lecturer at Stellenbosch University.

Major changes for the Australian wine industry

It has been a week of big changes in the Australian wine industry with the families behind Wirra Wirra and Ashton Hills acquiring star Adelaide Hills producer Hahndorf Hill, and Australian Wine Holdco Limited - a group of international investors - announcing the creation of Vinarchy, a new global wine company.

Vinarchy combines Accolade Wines and its multiple brands with the Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses formerly owned by Pernod Ricard. The new business is one of the largest wine companies in the world.

As reported first by Wine Business Monthly, the acquisition of Austrian varietals specialist Hahndorf Hill adds depth to the Wirra Wirra group’s presence in the Adelaide Hills,

Founded in 2002 by former Mulderbosch vigneron Larry Jacobs and Marc Dobson, Hahndorf Hill has built a loyal following for its wines, including being regarded as the leading Australian producer of Austrian white varietal gruner veltliner.

The six-hectare estate, just outside the historic village of Hahndorf, also features a popular cellar door and thriving wine tourism experience.

“At a time when the Australian wine industry is facing real challenges, we’re choosing to invest in quality, authenticity and long-term growth,” said Matthew Deller MW, CEO of Wirra Wirra.

“Larry and Marc have created something truly special. Hahndorf Hill fits perfectly with our vision for the future.”

Jacobs and Dobson will retire from the wine industry following the transition.

“Marc and I are thrilled that Wirra Wirra will be taking over the reins,” said Jacobs. “The Wirra Wirra team has all the skills and enthusiasm to take Hahndorf Hill to the next level.”

The Hahndorf Hill portfolio includes four expressions of grüner veltliner, and a range that includes blaufränkisch, St Laurent, and zweigelt. Hahndorf Hill wines are distributed nationally by Domaine Wine Shippers.

Vinarchy, meanwhile, will feature a large number of leading wine brands, ranging from Berri Estates, Hardy's, Jacob's Creek, Petaluma, Grant Burge, St Hallett, St Hugo and Orlando to New Zealand brands Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate, Church Road and Mud House.

It also includes Campo Viejo – the best selling Rioja brand, Ysios and Tarsus.

Helen McCarthy, from St Hallett, has been named to the new position as director of global winemaking at Vinarchy. 

Vinarchy is led by executive chairman Ben Clarke, who held a similar role at Accolade Wines. 

“We believe Vinarchy can lead the future of the wine category," Clarke said. "We will be a dedicated wine company, with scale, capability, reach, resources, talent, and an exceptional portfolio of leading brands. We want to redefine wine.

“The global wine industry faces serious structural challenges. Global wine consumption has been

declining for years, driven by changing consumer preferences and a shift to lower-alcohol drinks.

"Vinarchy will be bold and imaginative in meeting these challenges. With our enhanced scale, brand

investment program, innovation capability and industry-leading talent, we believe can meet many of

the challenges that the industry faces."

WBM reports the name Vinarchy combines Vin (the French word for wine), with Archy (from the Ancient Greek word for leadership). Together it means wine leadership.

Image: Matthew Deller, Larry Jacobs and Marc Dobson at Hahndorf Hill