Vinarchy emerges as major global wine company after acquisition of Pernod Ricard’s wine division

Australian Wine Holdco Limited, a consortium of international institutional investors, has announced the creation of Vinarchy, a new global wine company. This move follows the completion of its acquisition of Pernod Ricard’s wine division, which includes well-known Spanish wineries such as Campo Viejo, Tarsus, and Ysios. The transaction was finalized in April 2024, according to an official statement from the company.

Vinarchy brings together the assets of Accolade Wines, which is wholly owned by Australian Wine Holdco Limited, with the wine businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and Spain that were previously under Pernod Ricard. With this consolidation, Vinarchy becomes one of the largest specialized wine companies in the world. The company reports annual net sales exceeding 1.5 billion Australian dollars, or about 843 million euros.

The new division operates 11 wineries across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain. It produces more than 32 million nine-liter cases each year and owns Berri Estates, recognized as the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Vinarchy’s portfolio features three major international brands: Campo Viejo, which is the top-selling Rioja wine globally; Hardys, ranked as the second-largest Australian wine brand worldwide; and Jacob’s Creek, listed among the ten most valued wine brands internationally. Combined, these brands generated over 2 billion Australian dollars (approximately 1.12 billion euros) in annual sales in 2024.

In addition to these flagship brands, Vinarchy holds a leading position in New Zealand with Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate, and Mud House. The company’s portfolio also includes fast-growing Australian labels such as Grant Burge, Jam Shed, and Petaluma. It offers a range of premium wines from various regions including St Hugo, St Hallett, Orlando, Church Road, and Spanish names like Azpilicueta, Ysios, and Tarsus.

Ben Clarke serves as executive chairman of Vinarchy. He previously held a similar leadership role at Accolade Wines since September 2024. Clarke stated that Vinarchy aims to lead the future of the wine sector by focusing exclusively on wine and leveraging its scale, reach, resources, talent pool, and strong brand portfolio. He emphasized that the company wants to redefine the wine industry at a time when global wine consumption has been declining for years due to changing consumer preferences and a shift toward lower-alcohol beverages.

Clarke noted that Vinarchy is formed from two established businesses and benefits from significant investment by its owners to ensure long-term success and growth. He also explained that there will be minimal impact on customers and distributors during this transition period. Pernod Ricard will continue distributing its former wine portfolio under temporary distribution agreements to ensure a smooth handover.

The name Vinarchy combines “Vin,” meaning wine in French, with “Archy,” derived from ancient Greek for leadership. Together they represent leadership in wine—a concept that Clarke says will guide the company’s strategy as it faces ongoing challenges in the global wine market.