Can a new global wine company lead the world's wine drinkers out of slumping sales into a bright new future?

The launch of Vinarchy in April this year sees a new company with a vision to do just that, bringing many of the world's largest wine brands together under one roof, so to speak.

“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," says Vinarchy Executive Chairman Ben Clarke. 

The name Vinarchy comes from the words Vin (French word for wine) and Archy (an old Greek word for leadership).

The company is an amalgamation of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard's Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses. Together, this brings a significant range of brands, resources and sales together across several countries with over 1,600 employees. 

Vinarchy is now one of the world’s largest specialist wine companies, with more than AU$1.5 billion in annual net sales revenue and a firm focus on wine with  11 wineries in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain, producing more than 32 million 9 litre cases annually. It also owns Berri Estates, the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Vinarchy brands

The brands under the Vinarchy umbrella now include Campo Viejo, Jacob’s Creek, Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate, Mud House, Grant Burge, Jam Shed, Petaluma, St Hugo, St Hallett, Orlando, Church Road, Ysios and Tarsus.

Kiri Hyde has been appointed Vinarchy's general manager for New Zealand, following her most recent role as commercial director at Pernod Ricard New Zealand.