Hardys Scores A Century For Accolade Wines

25 Aug 2014 --- Accolade Wines' iconic brand, Hardys, has just scored another century with the 160-year-old winemaker securing distribution deals in South Africa and Mexico, meaning wine-lovers in 100 countries can now enjoy a classic Australian drop.

Already recognised in the prestigious Power 100^ world brand report as Australia's most powerful wine brand, nearly two million glasses of Hardys' wines are consumed around the world every day.

Fifth generation descendant of company founder Thomas Hardy, William 'Bill' Hardy says it's an amazing result but one that wouldn't have surprised his visionary great, great grandfather.

"Thomas Hardy was one of the first to export wines from Australia. His vision was to produce wines of quality and character which would be prized in the markets of the world," Bill said.

"A succession of some of Australia's greatest winemakers has followed in his footsteps and today we continue the great Australian blending tradition across regions and varieties to make great wines of character and complexity.

"This is a great achievement and outstanding endorsement of the hard work and talent of the Hardys team.

"We marked our 160-year anniversary last year by refreshing the packaging and launched a number of new products, so it's been a busy 12 months," Bill added.

Accolade Wines celebrated Hardys' anniversary with the launch of the William Hardy range recognising Bill's own contribution to the company as a winemaker and brand ambassador with over 40 years service to the business. The range includes a Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The round of celebrations culminated in November 2013 when Hardys signed a three year partnership with Cricket Australia, seeing the brand leverage association with another Australian icon - both on and off the field.

"Reaching 100 countries is testament to my great, great grandfather's foresight and I'm sure he would be very proud we've reached a century," Bill said.