With a proud heritage running all the way back to some of the first wineries established in Australia, history runs deep at Accolade Wines.
From our roots in Australia’s top wine-producing regions, we have evolved into a global premium wine and spirits company, with an extraordinary collection of some of the world’s most recognisable and loved brands, each with their own story to tell.
The Houghton property is established in Western Australia’s Swan Valley. In 1937 the estate became known nationwide when winemaker, Jack Mann, created Houghton White Burgundy.
1836
1836
The Houghton property is established in Western Australia’s Swan Valley. In 1937 the estate became known nationwide when winemaker, Jack Mann, created Houghton White Burgundy.
John Reynell, the founder of Reynella Wines, and future employer of Thomas Hardy, arrives in Adelaide.
1838
1838
John Reynell, the founder of Reynella Wines, and future employer of Thomas Hardy, arrives in Adelaide.
The legacy of Hardys, one of the world’s best-loved wine brands begins. Thomas Hardy establishes Thomas Hardy & Sons near Adelaide in South Australia.
1853
1853
The legacy of Hardys, one of the world’s best-loved wine brands begins. Thomas Hardy establishes Thomas Hardy & Sons near Adelaide in South Australia.
Thomas Hardys’ first vintage makes history by being the first significant quantity of wine – 63 gallons, or 286 litres – shipped to the UK from Australia.
1857
Thomas Hardys’ first vintage makes history by being the first significant quantity of wine – 63 gallons, or 286 litres – shipped to the UK from Australia.
After working hard in his first years in Adelaide, including with the Reynell family, Thomas was finally able to buy land of his own on the banks of the River Torrens, where Hardy Wines was born.
1867The property that would become Katnook Estate is first established in Coonawarra in South Australia. Today it is one of the oldest existing wineries on the famous terra rossa soil.
1867
The property that would become Katnook Estate is first established in Coonawarra in South Australia. Today it is one of the oldest existing wineries on the famous terra rossa soil.
Stanley Wines begins production, commencing a long and successful journey that we continue to this day as one the best-selling soft pack brands in Australia.
1893
Stanley Wines begins production, commencing a long and successful journey that we continue to this day as one the best-selling soft pack brands in Australia.
Berri Estates, now Australia’s best-selling brand by volume and the largest grape processor in the Southern Hemisphere, is established.
1922
1922
Berri Estates, now Australia’s best-selling brand by volume and the largest grape processor in the Southern Hemisphere, is established.
Following a legacy of fortified winemaking by the Lindner family that began in a shed 1838, the St Hallett winery is established in 1944. It has been owned or part-owned by a member of the family ever since.
1944
1944
Following a legacy of fortified winemaking by the Lindner family that began in a shed 1838, the St Hallett winery is established in 1944. It has been owned or part-owned by a member of the family ever since.
Petaluma is founded by Australian winemaking icon, Brian Croser, with the objective to produce ultra-premium wines by carefully selecting the best sites within a particular Australian region, suited to a chosen variety.
1976
1976
Petaluma is founded by Australian winemaking icon, Brian Croser, with the objective to produce ultra-premium wines by carefully selecting the best sites within a particular Australian region, suited to a chosen variety.
Grant Burge Wines is established, the culmination of the Burge winemaking endeavour that began in the Barossa in 1865.
1988
Grant Burge Wines is established, the culmination of the Burge winemaking endeavour that began in the Barossa in 1865.
After working hard in his first years in Adelaide, including with the Reynell family, Thomas was finally able to buy land of his own on the banks of the River Torrens, where Hardy Wines was born.
1992Thomas Hardy & Sons merges with Berri Renmano Limited to become BRL Hardy Limited.
1992
Thomas Hardy & Sons merges with Berri Renmano Limited to become BRL Hardy Limited.
One of our leading South African wine brands, Flagstone Wines, begins operation in the Cape Town Harbour, becoming South Africa’s first winery without its own estate.
1998
One of our leading South African wine brands, Flagstone Wines, begins operation in the Cape Town Harbour, becoming South Africa’s first winery without its own estate.
The Banrock Station Wetland Complex is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
2002
2002
The Banrock Station Wetland Complex is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Constellation Brands acquires BRL Hardy Limited, creating the world’s largest wine business.
2003
2003
Constellation Brands acquires BRL Hardy Limited, creating the world’s largest wine business.
Echo Falls, the UK’s number one fruit fusion and flavoured wine brand, and 10th best-selling global wine brand, is established.
Accolade Wines is born as CHAMP acquires and renames Constellation Wines’ UK and Australian divisions.
2011
2011
Accolade Wines is born as CHAMP acquires and renames Constellation Wines’ UK and Australian divisions.
The acquisition of Mud House in New Zealand adds an adventurous spirit and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to our portfolio.
2014
The acquisition of Mud House in New Zealand adds an adventurous spirit and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to our portfolio.
Hardys is named the ‘Most Powerful Australian Wine Brand in the World’ and ‘Second Most Powerful Wine Brand Overall’ in the Power 100.
After working hard in his first years in Adelaide, including with the Reynell family, Thomas was finally able to buy land of his own on the banks of the River Torrens, where Hardy Wines was born.
2016Accolade Wines acquires Anakena, expanding the brand to become a ‘Top 5 Chilean Brand’ in the UK, just three weeks after launching in this market.
2016
Accolade Wines acquires Anakena, expanding the brand to become a ‘Top 5 Chilean Brand’ in the UK, just three weeks after launching in this market.
The acquisition of Lion Nathan’s Fine Wine Partners portfolio adds Petaluma, St Hallett and Tatachilla to the Accolade Wines portfolio.
2017
The acquisition of Lion Nathan’s Fine Wine Partners portfolio adds Petaluma, St Hallett and Tatachilla to the Accolade Wines portfolio.
Jam Shed, now the 7th largest Australian wine brand, and one of the fastest growing brands in the UK launches.
The Carlyle Group acquires Accolade Wines, and sets an ambitious growth agenda for the company.
2018
2018
The Carlyle Group acquires Accolade Wines, and sets an ambitious growth agenda for the company.
Accolade Wines acquires Katnook Estate, marking the first acquisition under the new leadership team.
2020
2020
Accolade Wines acquires Katnook Estate, marking the first acquisition under the new leadership team.
Accolade Wines invests further in the Barossa Valley, acquiring premium brand Rolf Binder. In the same year, Lambrini, the UK’s top-selling perry brand joins the expanding portfolio.
2021
2021
Accolade Wines invests further in the Barossa Valley, acquiring premium brand Rolf Binder. In the same year, Lambrini, the UK’s top-selling perry brand joins the expanding portfolio.
Accolade pioneers first-to-market de-alcoholisation technology with Hardys Zero, and a more circular future with the launch of Wise Wolf by Banrock Station.
2022
Accolade pioneers first-to-market de-alcoholisation technology with Hardys Zero and &Then, and a more circular future with the launch of Wise Wolf by Banrock Station.
After working hard in his first years in Adelaide, including with the Reynell family, Thomas was finally able to buy land of his own on the banks of the River Torrens, where Hardy Wines was born.
2023Accolade Wines marks one year of J-Harden wines, selling out China’s initial allocation of 16,000 bottles in minutes during a live stream event.
2023
Accolade Wines marks one year of J-Harden wines, selling out China’s initial allocation of 16,000 bottles in minutes during a live stream event.
Australian Wine Holdco Limited, acquires Accolade Wines, positioning the business for continued growth.
2024
Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), acquires Accolade Wines, positioning the business for continued growth. AWL is a consortium of experienced institutional investors including Bain Capital, Intermediate Capital Group, Capital Four, Sona Asset Management and Samuel Terry Asset Management.
In order to exceed the needs of our Customers and Consumers, we will continue to evolve and grow. We search for the best wines from the best wine regions around the world to bring to people everywhere. Connoisseur or novice, we want to make your experience with wine extraordinary.
Our Brands
Our extraordinary collection of 50+ brands from the world’s greatest new-world wine regions, and sourcing from the best-known old and new world regions.
Our Global Business
Headquartered in Australia, we have operations in every continent, delivering quality wine to 130 countries around the world.