The Australian has released its annual Richest 250 list, with a swathe of drinks industry billionaires and multi-millionaires among them.

For the first time in eight years, the total fortune of The List: Australia’s Richest 250 is down, by about $25 billion compared to last year.

But the fortunes of drinks players have generally risen, despite the cost-of-living and lifestyle headwinds facing the industry.

If you classify money made from poker machines, Len Ainsworth & Family are the country’s top drinks billionaires, coming in at No. 24 on the list with $6.21 billion.

Ainsworth, 102-year-old and still going strong, made his fortune by founding Aristocrat Leisure in 1953 and then Ainsworth Game Technology, turning them into two of the world’s major gaming-machine makers. He handed over most of his stake in the company decades ago and focuses on philanthropy these days.

Also by association, Lindsay Fox, founder of Linfox, comes in at No.33. His trucking and logistics empire transports its fair share of tinnies around the country and his fortune is estimated at $4.92 billion.

Alexandra Burt (above) made her money in iron ore, but these days she runs the Voyager Estate and The Landsmith Collection luxury tourism and agriculture businesses. She and her sister Leonie Baldock have a combined fortune of $4.76 billion and sit at no.34 and no.35 on the list.

ALH Group founder Bruce Mathieson sits at no.76 with $2.24 billion. He’s a major shareholder at Endeavour Group and Star Entertainment and has been actively seeking change at both companies. The next 12 months will be very interesting for his finances.

At no.91 is Arthur Laundy and family, with $1.85 billion. Laundy Hotels owns and operates more than 90 hotels across NSW and Queensland, including landmark properties such as Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Sofitel Noosa and the Sheraton Grand Mirage in Surfers Paradise. Laundy also recently bought Nine Entertainment’s radio assets in a $56 million deal.

Justin Hemmes closely follows at no.92, also with $1.85 billion. Hemmes’ Merivale Group owns more than 80 venues along the NSW east coast and is expanding into Victoria. His latest NSW venue, Club Rose Bay, was recently named by The Australian as one of the 10 Hottest New Restaurants in NSW.

At no.94 is Dick Honan, Chairman of Manildra Group, with a fortune of $1.82 billion. Manildra is Australia’s largest ethanol producer, with its products used to produce many spirits throughout the country.

Sandy Oatley and family sit at no.115 with a fortune of $1.58 billion that is about to get a major boost when they finalise the sale sale of Hamilton Island for $1.2 billion. But the Oatleys initially made their fortune in wine.  Late patriarch Bob sold Rosemount Winery to Treasury Wine Estates for $1.4 billion in 2001, with the family going on to establish Robert Oatley Wines in his honour. 

The Casella brothers John, Giuseppe and Marcello sit at at no.117, no.118 and no.119, with a combined fortune of $1.56 billion. Casella Family Brands initially found its fortune with Yellow Tail brand, but now has a drinks empire that includes premium wines, RTDs, beer and whisky.

Theo Karedis and his family continue their wealthy reign at no.141 with $1.31 billion. Karedis sold the Theo’s Liquor chain to Coles in 2002 for about $200 million. These days Karedis has an empire that revolves around shopping centres, homemaker precincts and landmark hotels. 

Finally, at no.227 is Roger Drake, the owner of Drake Supermarkets, with $823 million. Drakes has about 70 stores across South Australia and Queensland and rebranded its six Cellabrations stores under a new banner called Drakes Cellars last year.