Calabria Family Wines expands Bélena into 200ml
Calabria Family Wine Group has become the latest Australian wine business to invest in small-format, launching Bélena Pinot Grigio, Moscato and Rosé in 200ml Minis.
Expected to hit shelves nationwide from January 2027, the launch emulates Bélena’s distinctive premium design in a small bottle size, responding to consumer interest in convenience and moderation. Pinot Grigio, Moscato and Rosé were selected for their fresh, approachable styles and suitability for summer occasions.
The launch builds on 20 per cent domestic sales growth for the relatively new wine brand, which debuted in 750mL bottles in 2021. Both Pinot Grigio and Montepulciano are current market leaders in the domestic $15+ segment.
Sales and Marketing Director Andrew Calabria told Drinks Trade the format-based innovation is not only about bringing younger Australian consumers into wine, but more consumers overall.
“Format change is what the wine industry needs,” Calabria said. “We’re really open to the evolution and keeping [consumers] engaged with wine; bringing not so much younger people to wine, but bringing new people to wine.”
The expansion builds on a broader Bélena portfolio spanning traditional wine styles, spritzes and personalised bottles.
Continue reading about the launch
Bélena 200ml at a glance:SKUs: Pinot Grigio, Moscato and RoséFormat: 200mlLaunching: January 2027 Trade inquiries: contact local House of Fine Wine representative, or Customer Service on 1800 845 526 or at orders@hofw.com.au.
Hello Cocky pouch wine launched by Hawkesbury Brewing Co
New South Wales beverage supplier Hawkesbury Brewing Co has introduced Hello Cocky, a three-wine range available in both 750ml bottles and 200ml pouches.
Positioned around accessibility and convenience, the 200ml pouch offers a lightweight, compact alternative to glass that is easier to transport and store, with Hawkesbury Brewing Co expecting it to unlock opportunities across retail, travel and hospitality, including hotel minibars, airline service and outdoor events.
The initial portfolio comprises a Hunter Valley Rosé, Barossa Valley Shiraz and Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc, with each selected to reflect its region.
National Sales Manager Adam Fisher said: “We’ve selected wines from regions Australians know and love and made them available in formats that suit different occasions. The pouch is a clever little package, but the quality and value of the wine inside is what really matters.”
Hello Cocky joins a growing list of new small-format wine brands in Australia, joining Bélena above as well as Australian Vintage’s recently expanded recently expanded Poco Vino.
Continue reading Hello Cocky
Hello Cocky at a glance:SKUs: Rosé, Shiraz, Sauvignon BlancRRP: $9 (200ml pouch) | $18 (750ml bottle) Availability: ALM (now) | Independent channels (soon) Owner: Hawkesbury Brewing Co
Altos Tequila unveils Paloma RTD, packaging refresh
Pernod Ricard is expanding its investment in Altos Tequila ahead of summer, with a new Paloma RTD, a national packaging refresh, and expanded partnerships.
The investment comes as Australia’s tequila RTD category grew 58 per cent in value over the 12 months ended 27 September, compared with 1 per cent growth across the broader RTD category.
The new Altos Paloma RTD launched exclusively through Coles Liquor Group on 26 October, ahead of making its event debut at the Australian Open in January.
At the 2026 Australian Open, Pernod Ricard sold more than 100,000 cans across Altos Margarita Lime and Margarita Watermelon, while doubling tequila sales year-on-year.
The addition of Altos Paloma RTD brings the classic grapefruit-forward tequila cocktail into a canned format and is being supported by a packaging refresh across the range.
Pernod Ricard Pacific Commercial Director Glen Scarlett said: “Australian consumers are embracing tequila across more occasions, and we’re focused on making the category easier to discover through innovation, strong retail execution and memorable brand experiences.”
Learn about Altos RTD’s Guzman y Gomez partnership
At a glance (Altos Paloma):ABV: 5%RRP: $26 (4-pack)Availability: currently Liquorland-exclusive Owner: Pernod Ricard
Good Drinks launches Mr Matsumo in Melbourne
Good Drinks Australia is officially launching Matso’s Mr Matsumoto Premium Japanese Style Lager in Melbourne this November through a partnership with chef Stephen Nairn.
Originally launched in Queensland in August 2025, Mr Matsumoto was subsequently introduced to Matso’s home state of Western Australia in February 2026, with an event hosted by chef Shannon Bennett. The Melbourne debut follows the brand’s previous chef partnerships, using food pairings to build awareness of the Japanese-style lager.
Mick McKeown, General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Good Drinks Australia, said the Japanese-style lager was directly inspired by Broome, where Matso’s was founded in 1997.
“Mr Matsumoto is inspired by Broome’s incredible pearling history and its connection to Japanese culture. We wanted to honour that heritage with a premium Japanese-style lager that’s crisp, clean and approachable, while giving the brand its own distinct identity,” he said.
“Bringing Mr Matsumoto to Melbourne through a partnership with Stephen Nairn and his acclaimed venues places the lager at the heart of the city’s celebrated dining culture, exactly where we want Mr Matsumoto to be.”
Read more about the Melbourne activation 11-15 November
Mr Matsumoto at a glance:ABV: 4.5%RRP: ~$25 (6-pack, 330ml bottles) Owner: Good Drinks Australia
The Macallan unveils final A Night on Earth limited-edition
The Macallan has unveiled A Night on Earth, The Finale, the fifth and final release in its A Night on Earth collection celebrating global New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The limited-edition single malt was matured in a combination of sherry-seasoned American and European oak, with its character inspired by New Orleans’ music, culinary traditions and distinctive celebrations.
It comes packaged in artwork by New Orleans-born artist Hill Spriggins, who created three illustrations inspired by her memories of New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans. The designs appear across the packaging, which features a textured outer material intended to evoke canvas.
The Finale marks the end of The Macallan’s A Night on Earth series, which launched with A Night on Earth in Scotland in 2021, followed by the The Journey, representing the journey of travelling to celebrate New Year’s with family, A Night on Earth in Jerez, paying tribute to the heartland of The Macallan’s sherry program, and The First Light, which celebrated New Zealand’s position among the first places to welcome the new year.
Diane Stuart, Senior Whisky Maker at The Macallan, said: “With A Night on Earth, The Finale, we wanted to capture the unmistakable warmth and character of New Orleans through flavour. By carefully balancing our exceptional sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, we have created a whisky that is vibrant, harmonious and unapologetically bold, with layers of citrus, creamy sweetness and warming spice that reflect the city’s rich culinary traditions, legendary cocktail culture and enduring spirit of celebration.”
A Night on Earth, The Finale at a glance:ABV: 43%RRP: $240 Quantity: limited-editionDistributor: Spirits Platform 
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