This Month
The year that changed everything for Australian wine
The industry has been through a lot in the past three decades.
Margaret River lands the world’s best vineyard awards
This year will be the first time The World’s Best 50 Vineyards announcement ceremony has been held outside Europe and the Americas.
June
Treasury Wines warns of weaker earnings at flagship Penfolds brand
But the country’s largest winemaker says it does not expect to cut prices of the range, and will instead spend more money in China to boost sales.
The death of this winery sums up the industry’s woes
Karadoc Winery near Mildura rode the boom when the world gorged on Australia’s cheap, drinkable plonk. Then tastes changed and winemakers were left stranded.
Dishing the dirt on the world’s best beaujolais
Sommeliers geek out over these classic “crus”. And it’s all thanks to pink granite, bluestone, schist and shale.
Wine market woes inflict more pain at Treasury, Vinarchy
Australia’s two largest wine groups are being forced to make some tough decisions to counter a global decline in consumption.
May
Bulldozers in the vineyards a poor omen for struggling winemakers
Bruno Brombal has seen plenty over his decades as a Riverina grape grower. But amid a never-ending wine glut, he says the best business to be in is excavation.
Accolade Wines, Pernod Ricard push turnaround in debut $700m debt deal
Sources said the syndication could still be a tough grind – thanks to assumptions around synergies between the Accolade and Pernod Ricard businesses.
Penfolds owner Treasury Wines poaches new CEO from Lion
Sam Fischer, who will collect a $4 million sign-on fee, faces a challenge to reverse the fortunes of the struggling winemaker.
Why teetotallers are such a drag (on the economy)
From an economic thinker’s point of view, teetotalism is an incoherent and damaging ideology.
Malbec country turns back to mining
Mendoza, a province best known for its Malbec, could open a new mine in a nationwide rush for the red metal under President Javier Milei.
Penfolds or a smooth Ningxia red? China’s wine tastes are changing
Australian wine has long been a favourite in China, but an economic downturn along with a government push to “Shop in China” is seeing local vintners step up the competition.
April
Accolade Wines axes dozens of brands after Pernod Ricard merger
The company, now rebranded as Vinarchy, is scrapping labels to focus its investment in higher-profile wines including Hardys, Jacob’s Creek and Campo Viejo.
Endeavour’s Ari Mervis gets the broom out amid portfolio review
Ari Mervis is using the oldest trick in the book to placate shareholders – cutting costs, starting with staff.
Vestey family puts ‘tariff-resistant’ winery on sale with $20m hopes
One of the UK’s wealthiest clans will exit a long-standing Australian investment portfolio – once it disposes of The Lane.
March
The $3m CBD winery opening in a building where AA meets
A heritage-listed former warehouse on Flinders Lane is home for the new Melbourne Winery. It makes for an unusual tenancy mix.
Barossa Valley wine mecca to get its first luxury hotel
Operator IHG has teamed up with developer Strategic Alliance to develop the 150-room InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa.
January
Barossa winemaker proves busy people can have it all. Well, sort of
With two vineyards, a winery and a two-year-old, “Life’s a bit ... saturated,” says Brett Grock. Still, he’s found the time to put his artwork on his labels.
The three things needed to lift winery asset sales out of the slump
Lower interest rates and a rise in consumer spending will help but for banks to lend more, margins will have to improve, industry figures say.
Why Chinese-made wine could be coming to a bar or restaurant near you
Top bars and restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide are selling Chinese wines produced by both major players and smaller independent outfits.