Bond villain Jaws shares a Bollinger with his girlfriend Dolly in the film Moonraker. Photo: Champagne Bollinger Facebook.
Griffith’s Calabria Family Wine Group has secured the Australian rights to distribute Bollinger Champagne – the 197-year-old French house that gained worldwide recognition through its long association with the James Bond franchise.
While the fictional spy is best known for his martinis (shaken, not stirred), he has also shown a taste for Bollinger, often choosing the prestigious Champagne when entertaining leading ladies.
The French label features in the 1979 film Moonraker, the villain Jaws uncorking a bottle with his steel teeth. In A View to a Kill, Roger Moore raises a glass during a romantic interlude with Stacey Sutton, while Daniel Craig orders it at the gaming tables in Casino Royale. It has since appeared in numerous instalments of the long-running series.
Bollinger has also capitalised on the connection with special releases, including a Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition Brut NV priced at around $100 and a rare Moonraker tribute edition valued at about $10,000.
Founded in 1829 in France’s Champagne region by Jacques Bollinger and Paul Renaudin, the house has remained family-owned – a distinction it shares with Calabria.
The label was previously distributed by House of Fine Wine, now integrated into the Calabria network alongside The Wine Company. The arrangement brings internationally recognised names such as New Zealand’s Villa Maria and Victoria’s Tahbilk under the Griffith family’s umbrella.
Bill and Andrew Calabria of Calabria Family Wines. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Andrew Calabria, sales and marketing director and third-generation family member, described the deal as a defining moment for the business.
“This milestone brings together three like-minded businesses that share our values and long-term view of the industry. Welcoming House of Fine Wine and The Wine Company into the Calabria family significantly strengthens our national distribution with some of the world’s most respected wine brands and positions us to deliver even greater value across the Australian market,” he said in a statement.
“We are passionate about representing world-class wines, and both portfolios reflect that same dedication. We look forward to championing the ongoing success of these iconic brands, including Groupe Bollinger, Villa Maria and Tahbilk.”
Simon Limmer, CEO of Indevin Group and owner of House of Fine Wine, said the partnership would help support the continued growth of Villa Maria in Australia.
“Calabria Family Wine Group brings deep market expertise, long‑term commitment to the wine sector, and strong alignment with our values,” he said.
“Together, we can ensure continued momentum for the Villa Maria brand in one of our key markets.”
The newly added portfolio will be distributed to Calabria Family Wine trade customers nationally from April.
