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

Rathbone family wines on the move

As a wine drinker you probably don't care how your favourite wines are distributed - but it can make a major difference as to which retail outlets stock them, and which wine lists they appear on.

Rathbone Wine Group (RWG), the Australian family-owned wine group made up of three major brands: Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran and Xanadu, is on the move. 

It will join Oatley Fine Wine Merchants (OFWM) for eastern seaboard distribution of their wine portfolio from May 1, 2025, moving from the Tahbilk-owned The Wine Company. 

Yering Station in the Yarra Valley is known for its chardonnay and pinot noir; Mount Langi Ghiran in Victoria's Grampians region, specialises in cool-climate shiraz; and Xanadu in Margaret River, Western Australia, is a well-known producer of cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. 

RWG is led by Darren Rathbone (CEO and group winemaker), Doug Rathbone (chairman) and Brad Rathbone (export director). 

OFWM was founded in 2006 by the late Robert (Bob) Oatley and is owned by his eldest son Andrew (Sandy) Oatley and daughter Nicole Oatley (director), 

“We are thrilled to be joining the OFWM team,” says RWG chairman Doug Rathbone. “We have no doubt that they will not only maintain but continue to identify new customers in their impressive network of both on- and off-trade clientele. 

"Our two family businesses have shared values, focussing on iconic regions and brands of the highest echelon.

“I also want to acknowledge and thank our current Distributor, The Wine Co., for their custodianship, support and representation of our brands over the last five years.” 

Sandy Oatley said: “RWG’s Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran and Xanadu are three of Australia’s most noted wine producers. To have them join our portfolio makes us immensely proud."

Farewell to one of the most famous business names in the Australian wine industry

Negociants International is one of the highest-profile and respected wine distributors in the business.

But say goodbye to the name.

Sixth-generation family-owned winemaker and global fine wine merchant Hill-Smith Family Estates announced today that its international distribution business, Negociants International, will retire its business name and operate as Hill-Smith Family Estates from February 1.

Established in 1985, Negociants International built a network of fine wine distributors across more than 50 major and emerging markets, representing family winemakers from Australia and New Zealand including HSFE brands Yalumba, Pewsey Vale Vineyard, Jansz Tasmania, and Nautilus Estate, as well as family winemakers Rockford, Henschke, Chris Ringland, Murdoch Hill, Gentle Folk, Ochota Barrels and New Zealand's Kumeu River.

Fifth-generation company head Robert Hill-Smith (above) says the transition from the Negociants International brand to Hill-Smith Family Estates is "part of a natural alignment of assets across international marketing and sales".

“The wine world is a very different place today than when we established Negociants International in 1985, both in the way sales channels are structured and how we bring wines to market,” Hill-Smith says.

“With that evolution, we must adapt, and this strategic change is an opportunity to better support the sales channels and the family-owned wine brands we represent by expanding our marketing and sales capabilities.”

Hill-Smith says the change better positions the business to achieve its future growth ambitions.

“As a family, we have been fortunate to see the resilience of the wine industry over our 175 years of existence, but this does not happen without terrific people who are committed to delivering not just survival but success and being willing to stay the course through thick and thin.

“As a business, we remain firmly committed to investing in our people, our brands, and the valued relationships we have built over many years with our distribution partners.

“We are a six-generation wine family, enthused for crafting and sharing great wine with the world for generations to come.”

Executive director of marketing and sales Jack Glover will lead the new Hill-Smith Family Estates global marketing and sales team and continue working with its established distribution network across all international markets, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Asia Pacific.

Kylie signs major Australian distribution deal for her wine range

Prepare for a big Australian push on pop princess Kylie Minogue's wines in Australia.

With over nine million bottles sold since launch, multiple awards and the UK’s top-selling Prosecco Rosé, Minoque has signed with industry big guns Oatley Fine Merchants (OFWM) for national Australian distribution with immediate effect.

“I am unbelievably humbled and thrilled by the global response to Kylie Minogue Wines," says the pretty in pink songbird.

"To be the number one rosé brand in the UK and selling over nine million bottles since we launched across 31 countries is an incredible testimony to the amazing producers and winemakers that we are lucky enough to work alongside.

"I have been so touched by the joy that Kylie Minogue Wines continue to bring to so many people throughout the world.”

Sandy Oatley, owner and Chairman of OFWM says “We feel very privileged to represent Kylie’s wines here in Australia and to be given the opportunity to build on the global success of her wines.

"It will be an absolute pleasure for our team to represent Kylie’s outstanding wines in the Australian market and to share them with our valued customers.”

# Kylie Minogue Wines was launched in May 2020 and has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. It is now sold in 31 countries. Minogue has sold over 80 million records as a singer, achieved 34 top 10s and seven No.1s. The wines were previously distributed by De Bortoli Wines. 

For details see https://www.kylieminoguewines.com/

Leading winemaking family changes channels

This is a huge story for anyone involved in the wine industry but of minor interest to wine lovers, so drinkers can look away now.

Eden Valley-based Henschke, among Australia's leading family wine producers and with 150 years of history, will be distributed by Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist from 2022.

Henschke was for many years distributed by Tucker Seabrook/Fine Wine Partners and then by House of Fine Wine, a collaboration between Société Jacques Bollinger of France; Henschke and Villa Maria of New Zealand that was established in 2017.

“We are delighted and honoured to welcome Henschke into the Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist portfolio," said Gary Crawford, CEO of Joval Wines.

“Henschke will become one of our cornerstone brands in the Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist portfolio alongside some of the world’s greatest family-owned wine brands.

“As custodians of some the country’s oldest vines, producers of nation-defining wines and innovators for a sustainable future, we admire the Henschke family as people of both principle and action.

"We are looking forward to working closely with Stephen and Prue, the next generation and the wider Henschke team for many years to come."

In recent years, Stephen (fifth-generation winemaker) and Prue (viticulturist) Henschke have welcomed their adult children, Johann, Justine and Andreas into the family business.

“As we embark on a new chapter, we would like to thank House of Fine Wine for their dedication and contribution while representing Henschke in our home market,” said Stephen Henschke.

“We are pleased to form a new distribution partnership with one of Australia’s most reputable and dynamic fine wine businesses, Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist, part of Joval Wines. Their enduring values and commitment to the premium wine trade align with our family business, and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship, servicing our loyal customers throughout Australia.”

Mezzanine represents brands from around the world, including Champagne Taittinger, Cullen, Craggy Range, Nanny Goat Vineyard, Tar & Roses, Yangarra, Burlotto and AIX Rose.