Accolade

Accolade Wines has entered into an agreement with New Zealand-based winemaker Mud House Wine Group to purchase two brands, Mud House and Waipara Hills, for an undisclosed sum.

In addition to wine brands, Accolade will also take control of the Waipara Hills cellar door and cafe.

The new brands allow Accolade Wines to expand its existing portfolio of New Zealand brands and grow in significant markets such as Europe, North America and Asia.

Besides Mud House and Waipara Hills, Accolade has also agreed to pay for the Dusky Sounds, Haymaker and Skyleaf brands, produced by Mud House Wine Group.

Post acquisition, which is subject to approval by New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office, Accolade Wines will retain the New Zealand team.

Accolade Wines Australia and New Zealand for Michael East said the company saw the brands as a key part of its global portfolio strategy.

"The suite of brands, which also includes Dusky Sounds, Haymaker and Skyleaf, covers outstanding wines from key regions: Marlborough for Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago for Pinot Noir and aromatics from the Waipara Valley including Riesling and Pinot Gris," East added.

"New Zealand wine is respected and sought after around the world and we see this as a fantastic opportunity to further increase the sales, marketing and distribution of the Mud House and Waipara Hills brands in particular."

Mud House Wine Group chairman Bob Major said, "Accolade’s extensive international sales networks, as well as its experience marketing New World wines, would enable Mud House to grow production and sales much faster and more cost efficiently than we do currently."

Image: Mud House Marlborough Gewrztraminer 2013 was bottled at 14.5% ABV. Photo courtesy of Mud House Wines.