About Areni Global
Areni Global is the leading research organisation dedicated to addressing the critical challenges facing the fine wine ecosystem.
Our game-changing research on fine wine production, distribution and consumption informs leaders, directs action and shapes the future of our industry.
Our events gather global experts, industry leaders, researchers and analysts.
We produce whitepapers, market reports, articles and podcasts.
Areni Global’s strengths are based on:
- A recognised and respected expertise in building key conversations and gathering game-changing insights
- A global and nuanced vision of the fine wine world and its ecosystem
- An in-depth understanding of the challenges, opportunities and needs of each of our industry’s major stakeholders
- A global network of contributors and experts seating both within and outside the wine industry
- An engaged, influential, trade-focused members community and global audience
- A strong network of partners: leading businesses and organisations who understand the importance of ongoing research and contribute to shaping critical conversations
- A robust and independant editorial, analysis and event calendar
Areni Global receives no government subsidy and its activities are not underwritten by any source of funding.
Our Mission
The wine industry must address persisting, structural decline of wine consumption and is faced with a global aging of its consumer base in many markets. On top of this, the wine industry keeps battling with climate change, and regulatory pressures are affecting the industry’s capacity to trade. In this global – and complex- context, the fine wine trade evolves with important specificities:
- Distinct Operations: fine wine production, distribution, and sales differ significantly from the broader wine category.
- Need for Specialized Skills: achieving excellence requires a specific and evolving set of skills, knowledge, and networks.
- Lack of Dedicated Research: there’s a scarcity of research tailored to this segment, hindering the ecosystem’s ability to grow and thrive.
To address these issues and answer vital questions for our industry, Areni Global works alongside international experts, leading companies and academics to produce a robust and independant calendar of events, publications and analysis.
We aim to:
- Provide a place where ideas can be developed freely and independently
- Encourage public debate and facilitate the exchange of ideas
- Promote diversity of thoughts and multi-angle analyses supported by evidence
- Inform and equip the wider fine wine community on key issues relative to the future of fine wine production, distribution and consumption.
Our Team
Pauline Vicard
Co-Founder and Executive Director
London, UK
Pauline Vicard is the co-founder and executive director of Areni Global, the leading organization dedicated to addressing the critical challenges facing fine wine. Based in London, the international think tank focuses on game-changing research and produces whitepapers, market reports, articles and podcasts.
Originally from Burgundy, Pauline grew up working in her family vineyard. Her career led her to take on many responsibilities, from market research for the BIVB and the French embassies, to opening a wine and tea shop, leading the wine education programme for France’s hospitality trade union (UMIH) or organising more than 80 trade and consumer wine events in France, London, the US and beyond.
A trusted voice in the wine industry for her nuance and work ethics, Pauline has moderated and spoken at international events, including for the OIV, the American Embassy in Paris, TEXSOM, the Batonnage Forum and Moët Hennessy’s World Living Soil Forum. Her opinion pieces have been published by Jancis Robinson MW, Tim Atkin MW and The Buyer.
Felicity Carter
Editorial Director
Germany
Felicity Carter is Editorial Director of Areni Global, and also writes for numerous wine publications. Previously she was founding Executive Editor of The Drop; an editorial consultant to Liv-ex, and Editor-in-Chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International, published by Meininger Verlag in Germany, which she built into a magazine read in 38 countries. A noted speaker, she has given keynote addresses at top industry conferences in Hong Kong, New York, Sydney, London, and Verona, among others.
Before her arrival in Europe, she wrote for major outlets in Australia, including the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. She has also written extensively about science and medicine, and has written for The Guardian USA.
Madison Keyser
Membership Manager
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Madison’s approach to wine is rooted in her belief that wine is more than a drink—it fosters connection, tells stories, and joins people together across the globe. Madison is part of the marketing team at Iwayini, a subsidiary of Grands Chais de France in South Africa as well as administrating the Chardonnay Association of South Africa, overseeing digital marketing initiatives for the organisation.
With her WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine and experience at celebrated wine estates like Delaire Graff and Creation Wines, Madison is Areni Global’s new membership program manager and can be contacted with any questions you might have. When not behind a computer, you can find her hosting lunches in the garden or running in the beauty of the Stellenbosch winelands.
Polly Hammond
Executive Advisor, Membership
Barcelona, Spain
Polly Hammond, founder and CEO of 5forests, leads an award-winning global digital marketing agency specializing in the wine industry. Known for her forward-thinking approach and insightful perspectives, Polly is well known for her willingness to tackle challenging questions to keep the wine industry competitive in a dynamic market.
Her leadership at 5forests reflects a commitment to advancing the wine industry through strategic digital marketing and a deep understanding of global market trends. This expertise makes Polly a valued member of the Areni Global advisory board, where she contributes her extensive knowledge and innovative strategies to drive growth and success in the fine wine sector.
Nicole Rolet
Co-Founder
Crestet, France
After an intense career in International Politics, Finance and Think Tanks, Nicole embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: together with husband Xavier and family, she undertook the restoration of an abandoned medieval priory in Provence and its derelict wild vineyard. With the help of her family she spent over a decade nursing the vineyard back to health, crafting the first cuvées in 2006, launching the eco-couture wine label Chêne Bleu in 2010.
In 2017, Nicole Rolet saw the need for a collaborative approach to change. She held the first Fine Minds 4 Fine Wines event along with Pauline Vicard in the Rhone Valley that same year. It created a space where major issues could be addressed by key experts from all walk-of-life, with a focus on drafting a collective vision for the future of fine wine.
In memoriam
Steven Spurrier
Steven Spurrier served as Honorary President to Areni Global. Spurrier was an example of passion and dedication to Fine Wine, shaping conversations and championing talents.
His journey to Fine Wine – beginning in 1964 when he joined the London School of Economics wine club – brought him through successful ventures, and has helped to define Fine Wine as we know it today. His most famous adventure of all was the organisation of the Judgement of Paris in 1976, disrupting the international fine wine balance. We are grateful for Steven Spurrier’s deep contribution to the fine wine world, as well as the guidance and support that he provided to Areni Global during its formative years.
