Qantas puts Pacific destinations on sale

Fancy a Pacific island break? 

Qantas today launched a sale across its Pacific network with more than 18,000 discounted seats to eight island destinations including Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Samoa and Norfolk Island.

The sale comes as Australians continue to head to the islands in record numbers, with more than 430,000 trips taken to Fiji in 2025-26, an increase of more than 5% on the previous year. 

The week-long sale includes economy return fares from $579 from Brisbane to Port Vila, with travel available on select dates between January and September 2027, including the drier months from May to September. 

Australia is Vanuatu’s largest source of visitors, with the Vanuatu Tourism Office reporting its highest monthly arrivals from Australia on record in January 2026, Qantas said in its media release.

Other economy return fares start from $599 from Sydney to Fiji, $599 from Brisbane and Sydney to Norfolk Island, and $609 from Brisbane to Noumea in New Caledonia. 

“The islands of the Pacific have long been a favourite escape for Australians and this sale brings eight of them into closer reach with fares from $579 return," said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace:

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“From a winter break on Norfolk Island and a week in Fiji to diving in Palau and Vanuatu, there’s something here for every kind of island getaway, whether it’s a couples’ escape, a family holiday or a trip with friends. 

"With travel dates through to September 2027, it’s a great chance to lock in a break for the year ahead.”

Qantas fares include checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and inflight entertainment.

Sale fares are for various travel dates between November 2026 and September 2027 with select blackout periods. 

Image: Lomani Island, Fiji. Supplied. 

Change in the air in the Adelaide Hills

One of the highest-profile cellar doors in the Adelaide Hills is changing hands with Tomich Wines taking over the Nepenthe tasting facility.

Australian Vintage Limited, which owns the Nepenthe brand, has announced the sale of its Adelaide Hills cellar door site and vineyard for $5 million to Woodthall Pty Ltd and Adelaide Wine Co Pty Ltd (Tomich Wines).

The deal will be finalised on November 9.

Australian Vintage will retain full ownership of the Nepenthe brand and has established a grape supply contract with Tomich Wines for vintage 2027 to ensure quality supply as the brand transitions to regional sourcing.

The decision is "consistent with the company moving towards an asset-light, brand-focused business model that aligned with the company’s long-term strategic goals removal of loss-making business units and a continued focus on debt reduction and steadfast commitment to enhancing shareholder value" the statement said.

“As wine tourism continues to decline, loss-making cellar doors do not add the value they once did," Tom Dusseldorp, the Australian Vintage CEO said.

"The sale of this asset can return cash to the business so the company can pay down debt and generate long-term shareholder value whilst maintaining high-quality standards.

"We will still be sourcing great quality wine from the premium Adelaide Hills region for Nepenthe."

US investors to buy Hamilton Island

US investment group Blackstone has announced that real estate funds it manages have entered into an agreement to acquire one of Australia's leading resorts: Hamilton Island.

The resort in the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, is being sold by the Oatley family of Rosemount Estate fame, which has owned it for over two decades.

The sale is subject to customary regulatory approvals, Blackstone said in a media statement.

Hamilton Island is located on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef. It spans spans more than 2,800 acres across two islands (around 70% of which remains undeveloped) and comprises five hotels, more than 20 restaurants and bars, 20 retail outlets, an 18-hole championship golf course on neighbouring Dent Island, a marina, and a commercial airport.

Chris Heady, chairman of Asia Pacific & Head of Real Estate Asia, Blackstone, said: “Hamilton Island is an exceptional destination, and we are honoured to build on the vision and dedication that the Oatley family has brought to investing in its transformation and add a standout asset to our portfolio.

"Hospitality and leisure is a key investment theme at Blackstone globally including in the Asia Pacific region, where we’ve brought scale and operational expertise to invest in and build leading brands. 

“We are committed to investing in the long-term success of Hamilton Island, its people, and its local businesses and community.”

Vietjet celebrates 9/9 with a pop-up fares sale

Anyone thinking about snagging a cheap flight from Australia to Vietnam should keep an eye out for one of budget carrier Vietjet's regular cheap fare blitzes.

Vietjet’s 9/9 Mega Sale, about to launch, offers "up to 99% off base fares" on flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City.

On top of that, travellers booking international routes will enjoy 20kg of free checked baggage, making it easier than ever to pack for a long-haul adventure.

The fares sale runs from 3am AEST on September 9 to 2am on September 10. Should you be tempted, and quick off the mark, use promo code SUPERSALE99 when booking direct on www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app.

The fare deduction exclude taxes and fees but the 23-hour offer applies across Vietjet’s entire flight network with travel valid from October 1 to May 27, 2026.

While those napping up a deal can take advantage of the promotion to explore Vietnam’s vibrant culture, Vietjet also offers connections from Ho Chi Minh City to many domestic Vietnamese destinations and popular hubs across Asia.

To meet growing demand, Vietjet is boosting flights to Ho Chi Minh City: with Melbourne increasing to six flights per week from November 11 and moving to daily from December 6. Sydney grows to six per week from November 13, increasing to daily from December 7, while Brisbane rises to five flights per week from December 6.

But note that flights to Hanoi have been cut.

Derwent Estate confirms purchase of Tasmanian wine tourism favourite Puddleduck

Puddleduck, one of the most popular wine producers and cellar doors in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, has been purchased by one of the state's leading brands, Derwent Estate. .

Owners Darren and Jackie Brown announced this week that the business would officially be sold; and Derwent Estate's Andrew Hanigan today confirmed the deal has been completed.

Puddleduck will continue to operate as a stand-alone business.

"We are incredibly excited to be taking over the ownership of Puddleduck Vineyard," Hanigan said in a statement to GoTR.

"The brand that Darren and Jackie have built over the last three decades is amazing and unique, and we are humbled to be able to continue this on.

"The synergy between our family business and theirs seemed like a great fit and we are thrilled to be able to work in the world renowned Coal River Valley."

Derwent Estate, based at Granton, is a fifth-generation family farming business operated by the Hanigan family.

“It's a tough thing to do to let you know that after 27 years of growing, making, and sharing wine at Puddleduck Vineyard, that the time has come for some of our family to step away from the business,” Puddleduck said on its Facebook page.

“As of Friday the 9th of May, ownership of Puddleduck Vineyard will transition to new owners.

“The familiar faces of the family namely - Darren, Jackie, Nick and Sue - will be changing to new family faces and they will introduce themselves in the very near future.

“This change marks a significant moment for us personally and professionally, and while it’s not without emotion, it feels like the right time for both Puddleduck and our family.

“Over nearly three decades, we’ve had the privilege of building Puddleduck into what it is today – a family-run vineyard and cellar door in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, where every bottle is grown, made, and sold on-site.

“We’ve always taken pride in offering a warm welcome, quality wines, and (quite) a few duck-related quirks along the way!

“Throughout the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with wonderful suppliers, partners, and supporters like you, and we want to express our sincere thanks for being part of our journey.”

Puddleduck is best known for its Bubbleduck sparkling wines and popular cellar door.

  

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 

Discounted fares - and a new way to fly to China

Vietjet has just unveiled a new sale on fares - and a new way to get to China.

The Vietnamese budget airline this week unveiled 50% off flights between Vietnam and Australia from now until February 7.

The deal is available on flights every Friday for travel between February 10 and March 31.

In addition, Vietjet is also launching four new direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing and Guangzhou, starting from March 30.

Tickets are now available for bookings through all sales channels, at promotional fares. The new routes further extend Vietjet's growing Vietnam-China service - making it easy for Australian travellers keen to explore China conveniently and affordably via Vietnam.

With these additions, the airline will add 24 weekly round-trip flights to its growing flight network between Vietnam and China.

Bookings can be made www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app.

The availability of discounted seats varies depending on the route and travel dates.

Vietjet boasts one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient Airbus fleets in the Asia-Pacific area and has been recognised once again as one of the world's safest airlines for 2025 by AirlineRatings, a leading airline safety and product rating organisation.

Cheap air fares on sale for one week only

Fancy committing to a cheap trip to Asia next year?

How about flying from Sydney or Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur for $299, or from Perth for $199 on AirAsia X .

Or Sydney to Bangkok from $299 on Thai AirAsia X, or Perth to Bali from $159, or Cairns to Bali for $179.

All are on offer this week as AirAsia X (AAX) celebrates its 17th anniversary today, marking nearly two decades as a pioneering force in medium-haul, low-cost air travel since 2007.

The all-in one-way fares are inclusive of airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees.

AAX says it has connected more than 48 million guests across 20 medium-haul routes in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Its sale also offers discounted fares to destinations from Kuala Lumpur including Taipei, Chongqing, Nairobi, Almaty and more.

The sale fares are available until November 10 via airasia.com or the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly airasia Superapp). 

Travel periods are April 21, 2025, to March 28, 2026.

“Our journey over the past 17 years showcases our dedication to making travel accessible to millions across the globe," says AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail.

"As we celebrate this milestone, we are preparing for an exciting step forward: unifying AirAsia’s aviation services under one group. With this acquisition, recently approved by our shareholders, we will be combining AirAsia’s short and medium-haul routes into a single, more efficient operation.

"This change will allow us to strengthen connections across our network, opening up even more destinations, enhancing service, and laying the groundwork for lower fares in the future. For our guests, this means greater choice, more seamless travel options, and access to an expanded route network, all while maintaining the affordability AirAsia is known for."

New owners for Clover Hill and Taltarni

Sparkling wine brand Clover Hill and sister wine label Taltarni have been sold by the Goelet family to the Fogarty and Hall families and their company Tasmania East Coast Vineyards Pty Ltd.

Clover Hill is one of Tasmania’s finest sparkling wine houses, while Taltarni is a pioneer of Victorian cool-climate wines.

Peter Fogarty is founder of the family-controlled Fogarty Wine Group, and Anthony Hall is an owner of significant seafood interests across Australia, including Tasmania.

The news was a scoop for Wine Business Magazine (https://wbmonline.com.au/), which broke the news before a press release was issued.

GoTR understands Clover Hill will continue to be distributed by Joval Wine Group's red+white arm.

The Fogarty family has long collaborated with the Goelet family with Taltarni as a production partner to Dalwhinnie, a luxury brand with a property that neighbours Taltarni.

When the opportunity arose to become the next stewards of Clover Hill and Taltarni, and realise the potential of growing sparkling wine in the Pyrenees and Tasmania, Peter, Anthony and their families couldn’t resist, a press release issued by both parties dated September 2 says.

"With a high-performing team in place and excellent winegrowing capabilities, specifically in sparkling wine production, we saw the great opportunity to steward and grow the Taltarni and Clover Hill businesses to their full potential,” said Peter Fogarty.

“Passing the torch on to another family-owned wine business is a real win for us,” said outgoing CEO Michael Kluczko.

“We are confident that the brands and the teams at Taltarni and Clover Hill will be nurtured and cared for in a way that maintains the legacy we have all worked so hard to build, and honour the vision that John Goelet had over 50 years ago.”

All Taltarni and Clover Hill staff will continue in their respective roles and teams at Taltarni and Clover 
Hill and will work closely with Dalwhinnie and Tasmanian Vintners, and the broader Fogarty Wine  
Group, the release says.

New owner for major Australian and New Zealand wine labels

 

Some of the most famous wine brands in Australia and New Zealand have a new owner.

Labels including Jacob's Creek, St Hugo and Brancott Estate will now come under the Accolade banner, if government approval is forthcoming.

Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard reached an agreement concerning the sale of 10 key wine brands, Drinks Trade is reporting.

The deal, signed in Paris on Tuesday night, will see Accolade. Australia’s second-largest wine producer acquire Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand, and Spanish wine brand portfolios. 

“Combining Accolade Wines with the Pernod Ricard assets will create a more certain and financially sustainable future for the business, allowing us to better serve our customers, in more segments and more geographies," said Joshua Hartz, spokesperson for Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL).

AWL became the equity owners of Accolade Wines in February this year.

The transaction includes the sale of Australian brands Jacob’s Creek, Orlando, and St Hugo, New Zealand brands Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate and Church Road, and Spanish brands Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus and Azpilicueta.

Accolade Wines will acquire all associated assets of each brand, which includes an integrated platform from vineyard to bottle alongside seven wineries, Drinks Trade says.

Accolade is an international wine business with headquarters in South Australia. It has been owned by the Carlyle Group, an American company, since 2018. Bain Capital now holds a controlling interest. 

It makes wines under labels including Hardys, St Hallett, Grant Burge and Banrock Station, as well as Mud House in New Zealand.

Treasury Wine Estates swoops on premium US producer

Australian industry giant Treasury Wine Estates has pounced to purchase a leading premium wine producer in California.

Treasury - which owns brands ranging from Penfolds and Wynns Coonawarra Estate to 19 Crimes and Squealing Pig - today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire DAOU Vineyards.

The luxury wine business founded by brothers and co-proprietors Georges and Daniel Daou will command an "upfront consideration" of $US900 million, plus an additional earn-out of up to $100 million.

The press release says the "transformative deal will accelerate TWE's focus on a portfolio that is increasingly luxury-led with a greater presence in key growth markets such as the US".

Founded in 2007 and based in Paso Robles, California, DAOU is billed as the fastest-growing luxury wine brand in the US trade over the past year. It is known for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon-based Patrimony wines.

DAOU should prove a strong complement to TWE's existing portfolio in upper-luxury price points and fills a key portfolio opportunity for Treasury in the $20-40 range in the US, as well as strengthening its luxury portfolio in the $40+ range.

Tim Ford, the CEO of Treasury Wine Estates, said: "The US is the world's largest wine market and we're beyond thrilled to add DAOU to our portfolio, cementing our position as a global luxury wine leader.

"This is a transformative acquisition that will accelerate the growth of our luxury portfolio globally and paves the way for new luxury consumer experiences. DAOU is an award-winning luxury wine business with an outstanding track record for growth and we have grand plans for DAOU to become the next brand with the international scale and luxury credentials of Penfolds.

"With DAOU, we will be well-positioned to connect with a new generation of wine lovers, combining tradition with innovation, culture-led experiences, and global distribution."

"The last frontier has always been international, and as part of the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio, we have unlocked the potential to be amongst the highest-end wines for consumers to enjoy globally," said Georges and Daniel Daou, who will remain with the business.

"In Treasury Wine Estates, we have found a partner that not only understands the value of our brand and the premium assets we have cultivated but also the importance of ensuring that we maintain a relentless focus on quality and craftsmanship as we step into our future. 

"Both companies are change leaders and by joining forces, we will continue to boldly disrupt the industry and bring the very best in wine and luxury experiences to consumers around the world."

Sparkling wine standout House of Arras sold

In a major move in the Australian wine industry, Accolade Wines has sold its multiple-award winning House of Arras sparkling wines brand and vineyards, along with the Bay of Fires winery and cellar door in Tasmania, to boutique producer Handpicked Wines for an undisclosed price.

Accolade has been hit by high debt levels at a time when the wine sector is being impacted by an oversupply of grapes and diminished demand due to cost-of-living pressures.

Handpicked Wines was creating by William Dong more than a decade ago and it owns vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley regions in Victoria, in Tasmania, and in the Barossa Valley.

Under sparkling specialist Ed Carr (pictured), House Arras has been Australia’s highest profile sparkling producer. Carr will apparently stay on under the new ownership. 

Accolade said in a statement on that an agreement had been reached for Handpicked Wines to acquire House of Arras, 24 hectares of vineyards, and the Bay of Fires winery at Pipers River in Tasmania.

No word on the future of talented Bay of Fires winemaker Penny Jones but Accolade will retain the Bay of Fires wine brand, under an arrangement that will see Handpicked Wines make the wine under contract.

"House of Arras is a globally celebrated sparkling house and we are honoured to become the custodians of this admired brand and uphold its tradition of winemaking excellence," Dong said. 

"We look forward to working with Ed Carr and the team to bring Australia’s most awarded sparkling wine to the world."

Handpicked Wines chief winemaker Peter Dillon said: "Ed Carr is one of Australia's most respected

winemakers and I'm excited to work with him through Arras and with the network of Tasmania’s

best sparkling growers and vineyards.”  

Accolade has 50 wine brands in its portfolio including Hardy’s, St Hallett, Petaluma, Banrock Station and Grant Burge but has been selling off assets.

Cheap airfares to Asia on sale - but for three days only

Fancy a break in south-east Asia?

Flights from Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur (above) are on sale now for three days starting from $139/NZ$169.

The AirAsia X sale also features fares from Auckland to Sydney starting from NZ$129 each way.

The three-day sale runs until midnight on Sunday and features fares valid for a travel period extending from April 24 to November 30.

“We are thrilled to be back in Australia and Auckland, New Zealand, as two of our most popular mid-range destinations and Asia’s low-fare leader, we will continue to offer the best-value fares for our guests Down Under and this sale certainly delivers on this promise," says Karen Chan, AirAsia Group Chief Commercial Officer.

“We expect these unbeatable low fares to sell out fast so we encourage bargain seekers to get in quick to avoid disappointment.

“The sale enables our Aussie and Kiwi passengers to experience the wonders of Malaysia in the vibrant and metropolitan capital city Kuala Lumpur, or continue on throughout south-east Asia on our extensive network to over 120 leisure-favourite destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, or even to the wider Asian countries, to Korea, Japan, China and India."

AAX also features premium flatbeds for those seeking extra legroom and comfort which are included in the sale starting from NZ$319 from Auckland to Sydney and from $529 from Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur, all inclusive, one way during the sale.

Book through the AirAsia super app.

Hong Kong tycoon swoops on Margaret River wine estate

One of Margaret River's largest vineyards has been sold to Hong Kong’s richest man Li Ka-shing of CK Hutchison Holdings.

Edinger Estate is the second-largest vineyard in the region and fetched over $10.8 million, Vino-Joy reported.

The 182-hectare property at Rosa Brook joins a portfolio that now includes 29 vineyards in Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Margaret River, Riverland and Riverina.

The company now has over 7,500 hectares of vineyards in Australia and New Zealand, making it among the largest vineyard owners in Australasia and top 10 in the world, it says.

The majority of the vineyards are leased to grape growers and producers and the company says grape demand has been steady despite China’s punishing tariffs on Australian wine imports.

“Protected by long leases with reputable wine companies as tenants, the vineyard business was not affected by challenges other operating units faced, generating stable and recurrent cashflow in rental income," the company says in its 2022 interim report

"Our tenants experienced steady demand for grapes despite ongoing trade restrictions with Mainland China, with a softening in the market for red grapes being offset by the strength of demand for white grapes.”

Aside from vineyard holdings, Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison Holdings Limited also owns Hong Kong’s biggest wine retailer, Watson’s Wine.

The vineyard was owned by Rob Edinger, who sold the Chalice Bridge brand to Jason and Alecia Brown, who own Moppity Wines in the Hilltops region of New South Wales.

The vineyard was established over two decades ago and is planted with chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, semillon, sauvignon blanc and merlot.

Treasury snaps up historic Bordeaux wine estate

Australian wine powerhouse Treasury Wine Estates is the new owner of Chateau Lanessan, one of the old wine estates in Bordeaux.

"We’re pleased to announce the completion of our majority acquisition of Chateau Lanessan," the company said in a statement,

Founded in 1793 by Bordeaux wine merchant Jean Delbos, the property features 390 hectares of land and 80 hectares of Haut-Medoc-appellation vineyards, a winery, and two 19th century chateaux in the commune of Cussac near Fort Médoc.

The vineyard is planted with 52% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 8.5% petit verdot and 2.5% cabernet franc.

The estate held a rating of Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, until this classification was annulled.

The Bouteiller family has been the custodian of the property for nine and will continue to play a role as Treasury continues to build its multi-national luxury wine portfolio.

Penfolds managing director Tom King said: “We look forward to collaborating with the Bouteiller family and winemakers to enhance the château’s production capability and reputation for quality wine, while also deepening our relationships with the local Bordeaux community.

"The region’s winemaking traditions complement the quality and innovation that Penfolds is known for, and we have ambitious plans to invest in the historic property and welcome wine lovers to experience the region’s unique winemaking traditions.”

No financial details were announced but the deal was completed earlier this week. 

Big-name hotel group to be swallowed up by Choice

The Radisson Hotel Group Americas is to be sold to Choice Hotels International Inc. for an estimated $US675 million.

Radisson operates nine hotel brands in the Americas.

The deal will add 624 hotels with over 68,000 rooms and expand Choice Hotels’ presence in the upscale and upper-midscale hospitality segments in the US, particularly in the West Coast and Midwest, Travel Mole reports.

Patrick Pacious, president and CEO of Choice Hotels, said: “Choice has a well-established history of smart acquisitions in new segments. This transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses.”

Choice Hotels will acquire the franchise business, operations and intellectual property of Radisson Hotels in the US, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

That includes 10 Radisson Blu hotels, 130 Radisson hotels, nine Radisson Individuals, one Park Plaza hotel, four Radisson RED hotels, 453 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and 17 Park Inn by Radisson hotels, as well as the Radisson Inn & Suites and Radisson Collection brands.

Choice Hotels will independently own and control the brands in the Americas.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by Choice Hotels’ Board of Directors and is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2022.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. is based in Rockville, Maryland in the US and is one of the largest hotel chain groups in the world.

It franchises over 7,200 properties in 41 countries and territories worldwide.

The company has gone under several different brand names including Quality Inns International. It became Choice Hotels International in 1990.

The Choice brands include the Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, Sleep Inn, Clarion Pointe, Clarion Hotels, Quality Inn, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.

Farewell to the Fistonich family: Villa Maria sale complete

So farewell to the Fistonich family, who built Villa Maria into a global giant after founding the wine business in the early 60s. 

Indevin New Zealand has officially concluded acquiring 100% of the shares of Villa Maria Estate Limited, for an undisclosed sum, Decanter reported.

The sale includes Villa Maria’s Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Auckland wineries, vineyards, supplier agreements, the flagship brand Villa Maria and Esk Valley, Vidal, Leftfield and Thornbury.

The completion of the deal follows Indevin entering into a conditional agreement in early August with Calibre Partners, the receivers of Fistonich Family Wine, and follows a nine-month process after the parent company and sole shareholder of Villa Maria Estate [FFWL] was placed into receivership.

Adding Villa Maria to its stable was a "logical next step" for Marlborough-based Indevin, said chairman Greg Tomlinson.

“The coming together of two successful New Zealand wine export businesses supports our vision to become the leading New Zealand global wine business, spearheaded by the Villa Maria brand," he said. 

"This collaboration will be significant for the New Zealand wine industry and we are delighted Villa Maria will remain in New Zealand ownership."

Malcom McDougall, chairman of Villa Maria Estate, added: ‘Villa Maria is an iconic kiwi brand and Indevin is an established participant in the New Zealand wine industry – together the two businesses are a powerful combination and there are many competitive advantages that both sides bring to the table."

Privately-owned Indevin said it had identified that, in order to achieve its ambition of being a leading player in the New Zealand wine industry, acquiring a strong New Zealand wine brand would be a crucial step.

‘We had looked at a number of wine businesses with brands over the last few years, but none provided the strategic fit of Villa Maria," Tomlinson said. "We are excited by the opportunities this collaboration offers."

"Indevin’s business is built around holding and building value for New Zealand vineyards and growers. Our strong supply chain coupled with the strength and heritage of the Villa Maria brand will create a sustainable business for the future and grow value for the New Zealand wine industry.’

Indevin makes wines for wineries and retailers all over the world, has three wineries and controls supply from more than 3,000 hectares of vineyards in Marlborough, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.  

FFWL, the parent company of Villa Maria, owed banks $211.9 million, the first receivers report said in May.

George Fistonich built Villa Maria from a one-man operation in 1961 to a business with over 300 employees that became the No.1 New Zealand wine brand in the UK and Ireland. 

Founded in 2003, Indevin says on its website that it is "New Zealand’s leading producer of high-quality wine". 

It is big in the retailers' "own brand" space, making wine for British supermarket chains Tesco and Waitrose

Global wine behemoth swoops to buy Barossa boutique producer

Global wine company Accolade Wines has confirmed the acquisition of Rolf Binder Wines in the Barossa Valley as part of its on-going growth strategy. 

Rolf Binder was established in 1955 as Veritas Wines by Rolf Heinrich Binder and his wife, Franziska, and is now run by his son Rolf Binder Jnr and daughter Christa Deans.

The Binder family produces a range of highly acclaimed premium Barossa wines using fruit from their own vineyards. They specialise in red wines.

The Accolade Wines portfolio includes Houghton, Hardys, Grant Burge, St Hallett, Petaluma, Banrock Station, and Katnook, as well as House of Arras and Jam Shed.

This is the second acquisition under new CEO Robert Foye, following the purchase of Katnook Estate in Coonawarra late last year. 

“We are delighted to bring a business with such legacy and deep experience in the Barossa Valley as Rolf Binder into the Accolade Wines family,” Foye said. 

“We are excited about the role the Rolf Binder brand will play in our diverse portfolio and the role the Rolf Binder premium red and white grapes will have in supporting Accolade’s other Barossa brands, including Grant Burge and St Hallett.”

The Rolf Binder winery, including more than 100 hectares of vineyard, was offered for sale by the family last year.

 

“We are excited to announce that Accolade Wines is taking on Rolf Binder Wines," said Rolf Binder Jnr. "As one of the biggest wine companies in the world, we believe Accolade has the capacity to take Rolf Binder wines global. 

"This announcement is also great news for the Barossa and this additional investment will continue to support the Barossa’s profile as a leading global wine region.”

No purchase price was revealed. 

Supermarket group swoops to buy star Yarra Valley winery

Paragon Wine Estates of the Endeavour Group has purchased premium Yarra Valley wine producer Oakridge Wines. 

Which effectively means Oakridge will be part of a complicated Woolworths group ownership structure that includes Dan Murphy's and BWS stores. 

The acquisition of Oakridge Wines includes the brands and the winery, vineyards of 20.8 hectares (with another 16.6 hectares leased) and existing grape grower relationships as well as its award-winning restaurant and cellar door.

Oakridge has been owned by Ilana Atlas and her husband Tony D’Aloisio since 2007 and has built a formidable reputation for quality under chief winemaker David Bicknell (above).

The addition of Oakridge extends the Paragon Wine Estates regional coverage with brands across five premium key wine regions in Australia and New Zealand; Oakridge Wines (Yarra Valley), Chapel Hill (McLaren Vale), Isabel Estate (Marlborough, NZ); Krondorf (Barossa Valley), and Riddoch (Coonawarra).

“We are thrilled to welcome Oakridge Wines to our Paragon family and look forward to enjoying the magic that the winemaking team led by chief winemaker David Bicknell will create in vintages to come,” said Endeavour Group managing director Steve Donohue.

Bicknell is set to stay, saying: “Personally, it’s great to have strong support and encouragement to continue 20 years of work at Oakridge, to continue to make wines the way they should be made, and to build on our reputation as sustainable farmers.

“Joining such a large drinks business will enable us to further improve Oakridge’s fine wine credentials and realise the full potential of our vineyards and our team.”

New Zealand travel icon sold to overseas investors

One of New Zealand's oldest and grandest luxury lodges has been sold to Australian business Baillie Lodges, which is is turn owned by an American investment company KSL Capital Partners

Huka Lodge at Taupo was founded by a high-end fishing camp in 1924 and then turned into a world-class property in 1984 by Huka Retreats founder Alex van Heeren.

It was one of the first luxury lodges globally and has hosted Queen Elizabeth II, Bill Gates and the author and his wife on their honeyoon.

The sale - for a reported $AU47 milllion - followed a long-running business dispute. New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office has reviewed and cleared the path for the acquisition to go ahead.

Baillie Lodges continues to spread its wings. It acquired Clayquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island last year. 

Both Huka Lodge and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge are members of the Relais &Chateâux collection.

KSL principal Kirk Adamson said Huka Lodge was an important next step in the evolution of Baillie Lodges.

“We are excited to continue building our portfolio of exceptional boutique luxury lodges both within Australia and New Zealand, and also being selective and thoughtful in pursuing additional opportunities on a more global basis,” Adamson said.

“For our guests, the continued expansion of Baillie Lodges opens up new, exciting itinerary options across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.”

Guests and staff of Huka Lodge can expect the transfer of ownership “to preserve the unique boutique luxury experience at Huka Lodge”.

All staff will be retained.

The Baillie Lodges portfolio includes Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island and Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree as well as Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, was destroyed by bushfires in 2020.