AustralianWine Industry Holdco Limited (AWL), a consortium of prominent international institutional investors, has announced the creation of Vinarchy, a pioneering global wine company poised to become an industry leader. This new entity combines the assets of Accolade Wines, a wholly owned subsidiary, and the Australian, New Zealand, and Spanish wine businesses previously owned by Pernod Ricard. These businesses were acquired by AWL in April 2025, marking the official launch of Vinarchy. With this strategic consolidation, Vinarchy is now one of the largest specialized wine companies in the world, boasting annual net sales exceeding AU$1.5 billion.
Vinarchy’s formation brings together a remarkable portfolio of leading wine brands, and the company operates in multiple key global markets, with distribution spanning across the globe. The company is now home to more than 1,600 employees, representing a blend of talent and expertise from its predecessor businesses. With the power of these assets, Vinarchy is positioned to redefine the future of global winemaking.
A Vast Global Presence
Vinarchy’s reach extends far and wide, with 11 wineries spread across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain. These wineries collectively produce over 32 million 9-liter equivalent (9LE) cases of wine each year. One of its standout assets is Berri Estates, the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere. This extensive network of wineries is complemented by Vinarchy’s strategic distribution channels, ensuring its products reach markets around the world.
The company’s wine portfolio includes three globally recognized brands that serve as its pillars: Hardys, Campo Viejo, and Jacob’s Creek. Hardys, the second-largest Australian wine brand globally, remains a flagship product, while Campo Viejo holds the title of the world’s leading Rioja wine brand. Jacob’s Creek ranks among the top 10 most valuable wine brands worldwide, with these three brands alone generating more than AU$2 billion in consumer sales in 2024.
In addition to these major names, Vinarchy has a strong presence in New Zealand, where it holds the number one market position with brands like Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate, and Mud House. The company’s portfolio is further bolstered by a diverse array of high-quality Australian wines, including Grant Burge, Jam Shed, and Petaluma, alongside renowned fine wine labels such as St Hugo, St Hallett, Orlando, Church Rd, Ysios, and Tarsus.
Vinarchy: A Name with Purpose
The name Vinarchy is a fusion of the French word for wine, vin, and the Ancient Greek word archy, meaning leadership. Together, the name reflects the company’s aspiration to lead the wine industry globally. Under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ben Clarke, Vinarchy is poised to innovate and elevate the winemaking process, positioning itself as a dominant force in the future of the industry.
Ben Clarke, who previously served as Chairman of Accolade Wines since September 2024, shared his vision for Vinarchy: “We believe Vinarchy can lead the future of the wine category. With our scale, capability, reach, and exceptional portfolio of leading brands, we aim to redefine the world of wine. Our goal is to create a company with the resources, talent, and agility to address the structural challenges currently facing the global wine industry.”
Facing Industry Challenges
The global wine industry has experienced several years of declining consumption, driven in part by shifting consumer preferences and the growing popularity of lower-alcohol beverages. Clarke acknowledges these challenges and stresses that Vinarchy will take a bold and innovative approach to navigating the changing landscape. “We will be a dedicated wine company, with the scale and talent to tackle these challenges head-on,” he added. “Our enhanced brand investment program, innovation capability, and highly skilled team will ensure we can address the evolving needs of wine consumers.”
Clarke’s confidence in Vinarchy’s ability to lead the industry is rooted in its robust foundation and the collective experience of its team. “We will be an agile, high-performance organization that leverages innovation, sustainability, and consumer insight to deliver the best wine experiences globally,” he emphasized.
A Strategic Transition
The creation of Vinarchy is the result of meticulous planning by AWL, which began in July 2024 with a detailed transition process. This process focused on integrating the assets of Accolade Wines and the former Pernod Ricard Winemakers portfolio, ensuring a smooth and sustainable combination of businesses. Vinarchy’s strategy is one of careful expansion, where the merger of the two entities is highly complementary, with minimal overlap. In areas where duplication exists, the management team has taken a strategic approach to facilitate an efficient and smooth integration, with an emphasis on long-term sustainability.
While the transition period may involve some adjustments, Vinarchy is committed to ensuring minimal disruption for customers and distributors. Pernod Ricard will continue to distribute the former Pernod Ricard Winemakers portfolio under transitional distribution agreements, allowing for a seamless handover and ensuring that consumers’ needs are met without interruption.
A Focus on Talent and Growth
One of Vinarchy’s key assets is its dedicated workforce. The transition will see Accolade Wines employees move into new roles within the company, with a significant number of employees from Pernod Ricard Winemakers also joining Vinarchy. This influx of talent strengthens the company’s ability to deliver on its global aspirations and innovate in an ever-evolving market.
In addition to its leadership team, Vinarchy is in the process of finalizing the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Board of Vinarchy is actively involved in selecting the best candidate to lead the company into its next phase of growth and success.
