Vinarchy emerges as major global wine company after merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard assets

Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), a consortium of international institutional investors, announced the launch of Vinarchy, a new global wine company positioned to become a leader in the industry. Vinarchy brings together the assets of Accolade Wines, wholly owned by AWL, and the wine businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and Spain previously owned by Pernod Ricard. AWL completed the acquisition of these Pernod Ricard assets in April 2025.

Vinarchy now stands as one of the largest wine-focused companies worldwide, reporting annual net sales exceeding 1.5 billion Australian dollars. The company operates exclusively in the wine sector and manages a portfolio of leading brands distributed across multiple countries. With more than 1,600 employees globally, Vinarchy maintains a significant presence in key wine-producing regions.

The company owns 11 wineries located in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain. It produces over 32 million nine-liter cases annually and owns Berri Estates, recognized as the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Vinarchy’s brand portfolio includes three major international names: Campo Viejo, the world’s top-selling Rioja wine; Hardys, ranked as the second-largest Australian wine brand globally; and Jacob’s Creek, listed among the ten most valuable wine brands worldwide. In 2024 alone, these three brands generated combined sales surpassing 2 billion Australian dollars.

In addition to its international brands, Vinarchy leads the New Zealand market with Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate, and Mud House. The company also manages fast-growing Australian brands such as Grant Burge, Jam Shed, and Petaluma. Its premium offerings include St Hugo, St Hallett, Orlando, Church Road from New Zealand, and Spanish labels like Azpilicueta, Ysios, and Tarsus.

The name “Vinarchy” merges “Vin,” French for wine, with “Archy,” derived from ancient Greek for leadership—together signifying leadership in wine. Ben Clarke serves as Executive Chairman of Vinarchy. Clarke previously held a similar role at Accolade Wines since September 2024 and brings over three decades of experience in consumer goods across Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Clarke stated that Vinarchy aims to drive growth and innovation within the global wine sector. He acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the industry: global wine consumption has been declining for years due to shifting consumer preferences and a trend toward lower-alcohol beverages. Clarke emphasized that Vinarchy will address these challenges with boldness and creativity by leveraging its scale, investment in brands, innovation capabilities, and industry-leading talent.

The formation of Vinarchy follows extensive transition planning by AWL since July 2024 to ensure smooth integration of all assets. The management team has focused on building a sustainable global business for the long term. To minimize disruption for customers and distributors during this transition period, Pernod Ricard will continue distributing its former wine portfolio under temporary agreements.

Vinarchy’s board is currently finalizing its search for a Chief Executive Officer and expects to announce an appointment soon.

Vinarchy’s roots trace back to pioneering vineyards established by Johann Gramp and Thomas Hardy in Australia during the mid-19th century. Today, Vinarchy produces wines in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa while sourcing from other renowned regions including Italy, Argentina, France, the United States, and Chile. Its wines are available worldwide.

AWL is backed by funds managed by Bain Capital Special Situations, ICG, Capital Four, Sona Asset Management, and Samuel Terry Asset Management. Ben Clarke also serves as chairman of Soulfresh Limited in Melbourne and sits on several boards in the UK food sector.

Vinarchy’s leadership has expressed confidence that their exclusive focus on wine—supported by significant resources—will allow them to redefine how consumers experience wine globally through new formats and innovative products designed to meet evolving tastes.