By Deborah Jackson, Editor National Liquor News
Société Jacques Bollinger (SJB), Henschke and Villa Maria have joined forces to create House of Fine Wine, a new Australian distribution company that will offer nationwide supply of premium wines from a single, focused portfolio.
The new company was established following the sale of Fine Wine Partners to Accolade earlier this year.
The three wineries, which all had seats on the advisory board of Fine Wine Partners, share multi-generational, family-owned values and a long-term vision for the future, contributing complementary strengths for a rich portfolio of fine wines.
Villa Maria, New Zealand’s most awarded winery, offers a vast array of wines with a strong emphasis on Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Henschke, brings six generations of premium winemaking with a distinguished pedigree in complex and age-worthy white and red wines.
Founded in 1829, Société Jacques Bollinger (SJB) is comprised of two prestigious Champagne houses (Bollinger and Ayala), one of the oldest Burgundy domaines (Chanson Père & Fils), the house of Langlois Chateau in the Loire Valley and Delamain, one of the most reputable houses of Cognac.
The new producer and customer-focused distribution model is unique in that it will allow the three wineries to build their brands through a tightly configured portfolio that places quality at the core of the business. In addition, they’ll dedicate a large percentage of their efforts to the fine wine retail and on-premise side of the business.
David Bird, the General Manager of House of Fine Wine, said: “We’ll provide a tightly focused premium portfolio and highly engaged sales and support team who have a deep understanding of each family winery and their remarkable wines.”
The new company will officially launch on 1 June 2017 and will build upon the existing infrastructure developed by Villa Maria with a dedicated sales and marketing team, customer services, supply chain and operational support.