Merger & Acquisition Advisor for the Wine Industry
Transactions
International Wine Associates (IWA) completes third Napa Valley winery transaction in 2020
Following the Diamond Creek and Flora Springs Komes Ranch Transactions that IWA completed earlier this year IWA represents Burgess Cellars in the Sale to the Lawrence Family from Heitz Cellar
Healdsburg, California – September 14, 2020 – Robert Nicholson announced that International Wine Associates (IWA) represented Burgess Cellars in the sale to the Lawrence Family of Heitz Cellar.
“We are pleased to have worked with Steve and Jim Burgess on the sale of their classic Napa Valley winery and hillside vineyard to Gaylon Lawrence.” said Robert Nicholson. “Following on from IWA’s representation of Louis Roederer in their acquisition of Diamond Creek in March and our sale of Flora Springs Komes Ranch to Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte in January we are gratified to have now completed three important Napa Valley winery transactions in 2020. We continue to seek out buyers throughout the world to sell prominent wine estates that IWA represents in California, Oregon and Washington.”
About International Wine Associates
Incorporated in 1990 and now celebrating 30 years of M&A service to the U.S. and international wine business this year, IWA is the leading mergers and acquisitions firm specializing in the wine industry and has initiated and closed numerous prominent transactions for a combined value of over $2 billion. Total IWA 2020 transactions year-to-date are now valued at over $175 million.
In addition to representing Burgess Cellars, IWA has completed other prominent winery and vineyard transactions including Diamond Creek, Merry Edwards, Stony Hill, Beaux Freres, Mayacamas, Flora Springs Komes Ranch, Calera, Sierra Madre, Wildwood, Washington’s Wallula Gap and Klipsum Vineyards, Oregon’s Resonance Vineyard, Ladera, Talbott, Chalone, Laurel Glen and Edna Valley.
Over the years IWA has represented major multinational companies in the business including Treasury, Constellation, DIAGEO, Jim Beam, Brown-Forman, Southcorp, Moet-Hennessy, a number of well-known wine estates including those noted above and Lancaster Estate, Sonoma-Cutrer, Hop Kiln, Geyser Peak, Buena Vista, The Four Graces, Sausal, Wild Horse, Hogue Cellars, Fieldstone, Stryker Sonoma, among others, various important vineyards including Washington’s Sagemoor Vineyards, Olsen Agriculture, Komes / Garvey Napa Valley vineyards, Pinnacle Vineyard, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, and others, craft liquor businesses including Hangar One vodka and Germain Romain brandy and various banks including Wells Fargo, EBRD and Banco Banesto.
For more information please visit www.intlwine.com or call Robert Nicholson at +1 707 / 974-6032.
Louis Roederer carries on its American journey in Napa Valley
Frédéric Rouzaud, President & CEO, welcomes another gem to his family’s collection of iconic properties: Maison Louis Roederer to Acquire Fabled Diamond Creek Vineyards.
Oakland, CA, March 12th, 2020 – The story of Maison Louis Roederer’s passion for unique terroirs of Cabernet Sauvignon dates back to the early 1990s with the purchase of Château de Pez in 1995 in the renowned Bordeaux appellation of Saint-Estèphe. 2007 marked the entry of the family into the select group of 1855 Classified Grands Crus wines with the purchase of the iconic super second Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.
“The acquisition of Diamond Creek is the continuation of our journey into the greatest appellations in the world and our relentless quest to produce great wines with strong identity. Reflective of their pioneering characters, Al and Boots Brounstein built Diamond Creek from the ground up, producing some of the most celebrated and singular wines of the region. I am delighted that, once again, we have the opportunity to carry on the opus of an iconic family and embody its values and savoir-fair,” states Frédéric Rouzaud, President and CEO of Maison Louis Roederer.
“Most important to my Mom, myself, and the family was finding the right partner who would respect the legacy that she and Al built over the last 50 years, and who could even elevate that legacy. Frédéric and his family are the perfect fit,” says Phil Ross, Boots Brounstein’ son and Managing Partner.
The mutual respect and admiration between Roederer and Diamond Creek runs deep – in 1997, Al and Boots Brounstein were among a small group of wine luminaries invited to Paris by Jean-Claude Rouzaud, Frédéric’s father, to celebrate the 30 greatest wines in the world on his 30–year anniversary at the helm of Louis Roederer. Their friendly relationship endured until Al’s passing and Jean-Claude’s retirement in 2006; it was carried on by Frédéric and Boots who were exploring ways to partner until she passed in July 2019 at age 92.
Phil Ross has agreed to stay at the winery for a period of time. Winemaker Phil Steinschriber, who has been with Diamond Creek since 1991, has also agreed to stay. The majority of employees, many of whom have worked at Diamond Creek for decades, will also continue there.
Maison Louis Roederer
Originally founded in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer continues as one of the very rare Champagne houses to remain firmly in the hands of the same family, since 1832. For three centuries, seven successive generations have been responsible for building a reputation for unparalleled quality and continuity. Its focus on meticulous viticulture, best demonstrated with an ongoing conversion to organic and biodynamic vineyards, as well as precise winemaking, account for the Houses’s enduring excellence and success.
Since 1990, Maison Louis Roederer has strategically acquired esteemed family–owned wineries with an approach centered around identical core values, long–term vision and continuity.
Ramos Pinto (1990), Champagne Deutz and Delas Frères (1993), Château de Pez (1995), Domaines Ott (2004), Scharffenberger Cellars (2004), Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (2007) and Merry Edwards (2019).
Roederer has also established new ventures: Roederer Estate (1982) and Domaine Anderson (2012) and owns Descaves, an historic wine merchant on the Place de Bordeaux.
Diamond Creek
Founded in 1968, Diamond Creek is California’s first exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard. Visionary pioneer, Al Brounstein, assisted by his wife Boots, defied modern conventions and planted Bordeaux varietals on secluded Diamond Mountain. The four vineyards – Red Rock Terrace, Volcanic Hill, Gravelly Meadow and Lake – produce a small amount of long–lived wines that are elegant with great depth and richness, honored and cherished by connoisseurs the world over.
LOUIS ROEDERER PURSUES ITS AMERICAN LOVE STORY IN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY AND SONOMA COAST
Frédéric Rouzaud Wins the Heart of Merry Edwards: Louis Roederer to Acquire Merry Edwards Winery
The story of Louis Roederer’s pursuit of the Merry Edwards Winery is the stuff of a Henry James novel. Merry Edwards, one of the first women winemakers in California, has had to overcome personal challenges and adversities to build her winery. She is tough, fearless and independent. Humble yet ambitious, Frédéric Rouzaud is the great-grandson of Madame Camille Olry Roederer. He was born into an established French Champagne house and has continued to grow his family business into one of the most prestigious wine companies in the world.
What may seem like an attraction of opposites, however, belies the many similarities that drew Merry
and Frédéric together. Both were born entrepreneurs, willing to take risks to build their companies while adhering to their core values: producing wines emblematic of their distinct terroirs, all the while pushing the boundaries of land stewardship.
“Over the years, we have had opportunities to look at renowned wineries in Northern California but it is not until I met Merry Edwards that I felt my heart beating. Her personality, her story, her wines won me over. I knew it was the right moment. Going forward it is our mission to ensure continuity as we have done with our other acquisitions since 1990,” says Frédéric Rouzaud.
“In Frédéric, I have found a true soulmate to pass on the company to which I have devoted my life these past 21 years. I know my legacy is in good hands for the years to come as a member of the Maison Louis Roederer family” says Merry Edwards.
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Maison Louis Roederer
Originally founded in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer continues as one of the very rare Champagne houses to remain firmly in the hands of the same family, since 1832. For three centuries, seven successive generations have been responsible for building a reputation for unparalleled quality and continuity. Its focus on meticulous viticulture, best demonstrated with an ongoing conversion to organic and biodynamic vineyards, as well as precise winemaking, account for the House’s enduring excellence and success.
Since 1990, Maison Louis Roederer has strategically acquired esteemed family-owned wineries with an approach centered around identical core values, long-term vision and continuity.
Ramos Pinto (1990), Champagne Deutz and Delas Frères (1993), Château de Pez (1995), Domaines Ott (2004), Scharffenberger Cellars (2004), and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (2007). Roederer has also established new ventures: Roederer Estate (1982) and Domaine Anderson (2012).
Merry Edwards Winery
In 1997, family and friends joined Merry to found Merry Edwards Winery, with a focus on producing pinot noirs, sauvignon blancs and chardonnays with a sense of place from Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. In 2008, she and her husband, Ken Coopersmith, completed their winery, where tastings are hosted to educate visitors about Merry’s handcrafted wines and site-specific viticulture. In addition to this property, their estate vineyards include Meredith Estate, Coopersmith,
Georganne, Warrens’ Hill and Richaven. Merry and Ken have also partnered with several trusted growers to supplement this estate production.
International Wine Associates worked with Merry Edwards Winery in this transaction.
Duckhorn Wine Company Acquires Central Coast Icon Calera Wine Company
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. – August 15, 2017– Duckhorn Wine Company (“DWC”), which includes Duckhorn Vineyards, Goldeneye, Paraduxx, Migration, Decoy and Canvasback, announced today that it has acquired Calera Wine Company (“Calera”). Founded by Josh Jensen in 1975, Calera played a pivotal role in establishing Pinot Noir as one of North America’s great varietal wines, and helped to establish the Central Coast as one of the New World’s most exciting wine regions. Hailed as a “Pinot Pioneer” on the cover of Wine Spectator, and referred to as “California’s Romanée-Conti” in another premier wine publication, Calera is one of California’s most acclaimed Pinot Noir producers, and has been named a “Top 100 Winery” by Wine & Spirits four times in the past decade. The sale includes the Calera winery, time-honored brand, tasting room, estate vineyards, and all inventory and assets.
“Like our own founders, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, Josh is a visionary and pioneer who has spent more than four decades shaping the modern American palate for luxury wines. What he has achieved at Calera has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Alex Ryan, president and CEO of DWC. “Calera is one of the world’s great wineries, and we will ensure that Josh’s legacy of quality and excellence will continue to flourish for decades to come. For us, this is a fantastic opportunity to establish a presence on the Central Coast with one of the region’s most iconic wineries.”
Calera will continue to produce its acclaimed portfolio of wines at its seven-level, gravity-flow winery in Hollister, California. All key personnel, including Winemaker Mike Waller, will remain
with the winery. Jensen, who is 73, will continue to remain involved at Calera, and will join the Duckhorn Wine Company Board of Directors, where he will serve alongside his longtime peer, Dan Duckhorn.
“Calera is my life’s work. In this era of industry consolidation, it was vital to me that I choose a partner that not only shares the values that have always defined Calera, but that also has the market presence to provide our wines a continued strong and secure route to market,” said Jensen. “Duckhorn is one of the most respected luxury wine companies in the world, and for good reason. They have integrity, and they are absolutely focused on making great wines. I’m proud to be entrusting Calera to their expert hands.”
“Duckhorn and Calera are both innovators and leaders that have spent decades building the trust and respect of their customers and industry partners,” said Jamie O’Hara, president of TSG Consumer Partners, which owns DWC. “Calera will benefit from the strength of Duckhorn’s sales and marketing platform, its phenomenal distributor network, including its powerful California-direct model, and a best-in-class management team that will continue building on the legacy established by Josh. For Duckhorn, this is an opportunity to add one of America’s great wineries to a portfolio that already includes some of the most respected wineries in the United States.”
In addition to the winery and tasting room, the sale includes Calera’s renowned Selleck, Jensen, Reed, Mills, Ryan and de Villiers estate vineyards in the Mt. Harlan AVA. Totaling 85 planted acres, these vineyards are between 2,200 and 2,500 feet above sea level, and feature the limestone-rich soils that originally drew Jensen to this spot in the Gavilan Mountains, 100 miles south of San Francisco. With plantings dating back to 1975, these vineyards feature some of the oldest vines in the region, and are the source for Calera’s renowned single-vineyard wines.
While vineyard and winemaking operations will remain unchanged at Calera, the winery will benefit from leveraging the sales and marketing experience of DWC, which maintains an
in-house sales team of more than 50 people, with placements in more than 30,000 accounts throughout the United States, and in 50 countries around the world.
International Wine Associates (IWA) served as the exclusive advisors to and represented Calera Wine Company in this transaction.
About Duckhorn Wine Company
Duckhorn Wine Company has helped set the standard for American fine wine for four decades. Founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn with the launch of Duckhorn Vineyards in 1976, the Duckhorn portfolio has evolved to include Goldeneye, Paraduxx, Migration, Decoy and Canvasback, each with its own dedicated winemaker. With more than 600 acres of acclaimed estate vineyards, along with grapes from the finest growers, each winery has its own focused winegrowing program from which to make its wines. Duckhorn Wine Company wines are available throughout the United States, on five continents, and in over 50 countries. For more information, visit Duckhorn.com.
About Calera Wine Company
In 1975, taking his cue from the great domaines of Burgundy, which have grown grapes in limestone-rich soils for centuries, Josh Jensen founded Calera in the Gavilan Mountains of California’s Central Coast. His goal was to create wines unique to the world, but in the style of the greatest wines of France. Today, Calera’s wines still express this pioneering spirit, and are revered the world over for their elegance, complexity and terroir-driven character. For more information, visit Calerawine.com.
E. & J. Gallo Winery Announces Acquisition Of Luxury California Brandy, Germain-Robin
MODESTO, Calif., Aug. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ – E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) announced today that it has purchased Germain-Robin, California’s first luxury brandy.
In 1981, Ansley J. Coale Jr. had a chance encounter along Highway 101 in Northern California with Hubert Germain-Robinof the Jules Robin family, Cognac producers since 1782. Hubert’s desire at that time was to create a small distillery using traditional craft-method distillation techniques. In 1982, he and Ansley established Germain-Robin. The two men began making brandies from premium California wine grapes. By the late 1990s, when Germain-Robin’s cellar had matured, their brandies gained attention as some of the world’s finest spirits recognized for their elegant, complex and distinct taste.
Ansley Coale and Hubert Germain-Robin were pioneers in the creation of critically-acclaimed world class Californiabrandies, as well as innovatively blending Cognac traditions and techniques with California winemaking and premium grape varieties.
Gallo’s acquisition includes the Germain-Robin brand, the inventory of aged and aging brandies and all finished goods. These unique and irreplaceable aged inventories include
brandy lots that are over 30 years old, crafted from a broad range of traditional Cognac and Armagnac grape varieties, as well as non-traditional varietals such as Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the stewardship of Germain-Robin’s California brandy legacy,” said Ernest J. Gallo, General Manager of Gallo’s Spirits Business. ”We are fortunate to have Ansley Coale and Joseph Corley, Hubert’s apprentice and current Germain-Robin distiller and cellarmaster, remain involved as part of the acquisition. We are pleased to continue delivering remarkable and unique California brandies that will appeal to whiskey and bourbon drinkers and other connoisseurs of brown spirits around the world.”
“For decades, Germain-Robin has struggled to place brandy distilled from California wine where it belongs: a category, long overlooked, in fact worthy of inclusion at all levels among the world’s finest spirits,” said founder Ansley Coale. ”We hope — indeed intend — that our unique knowledge and capabilities, supported and augmented by, and carefully integrated into, Gallo’s deep experience and powerful resources in both production and marketing, will help bring brandy from California wine the recognition it so richly deserves.”
International Wine Associates served as the exclusive financial advisor for Germain-Robin. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
About E. & J. Gallo Winery
Founded by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1933 in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery is a family-owned winery and the acclaimed producer of award-winning wines and spirits featured in more than 90 countries around the globe. A pioneer in the art of grape growing, winemaking, sustainable practices, marketing and worldwide distribution, Gallo crafts and imports wines and spirits to suit a diverse range of tastes and occasions, from everyday offerings to boutique, luxury bottlings.
The Gallo portfolio is comprised of more than 80 unique brands, including Barefoot Cellars, Dark Horse, and Gallo Family Vineyards. Premium offerings include Apothic, Carnivor, Columbia Winery, Ecco Domani, Edna Valley Vineyard, J Vineyards & Winery, Louis M. Martini, MacMurray Estate Vineyards, Mirassou, Orin Swift, Chateau Souverain, Talbott Vineyards, and William Hill Estate, along with highly acclaimed imports, such as Alamos, Brancaia, La Marca, Las Rocas, Martín Códax, Whitehaven, and LUX Wines, importers of Allegrini, Argiano, Jermann, Pieropan and Renato Ratti. Gallo Spirits offers New Amsterdam Vodka and Gin and E&J Brandy, in addition to imported Scotch whiskies from Whyte & Mackay, including The Dalmore, Jura Single Malt, and John Barr.
SOURCE E. & J. Gallo Winery
International Wine Associates Represents Talbott Vineyards In Sale To Gallo
Healdsburg, California – September 9, 2015 – International Wine Associates (IWA), the leader in wine industry mergers and acquisitions, announced that IWA served as exclusive advisors and represented Talbott Vineyards in the sale of the Talbott wine business and related assets to E. & J. Gallo Winery.
In 1982 Robb Talbott established Talbott Vineyards that developed into one of California’s most highly regarded estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers. Talbott wines featured grapes from two grand cru Monterey County vineyard sites: The Diamond T Vineyard in Carmel Valley and the legendary 525 acres of vineyard at Sleepy Hollow, in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
“We are delighted to have represented Talbott Vineyards in the sale to Gallo” said Robert Nicholson, partner at IWA. “With the sale of Talbott, in the last 18 months IWA has now completed over $250 million of wine industry transactions in California, Oregon and Washington”.
International Wine Associates Represents Treasury Wine Estates In Sale Of The Asti Winery And The Souverain Brand To Gallo
Healdsburg, California – July 31, 2015 – International Wine Associates (IWA), the leading wine industry mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors and represented Australia’s Treasury Wine Estates Limited (ASX: TWE) in the sale of the Asti Winery and the Souverain wine brand to E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo).
Located in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley, the Asti Winery was established in 1881. Known then as Italian Swiss Colony, today the Asti Winery spans 535 acres with a winery facility capable of crushing 35,000 tons of grapes and includes 275 acres planted to vineyard.
According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, “We are thrilled to add the Asti Winery and Vineyards into our North Coast fine wine operations. The property is filled with rich history and is located in a wine growing region that consumers recognize as being among the world’s best.” Founded by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1933 in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery is the world’s largest family-owned winery and the acclaimed producer of award-winning wines and spirits featured in more than 90 countries around the globe.
“We are excited to have represented Treasury in this important sale.” said Robert Nicholson, partner at IWA. “Since the beginning of 2014 IWA has now sold over $180 million of wine industry assets and businesses in California, Oregon and Washington.”
International Wine Associates Represents Oregon’s Olsen Agricultural Enterprises In Sale Of Over 6,000 Acres Of Land And Operating Assets To Farmland Lp
Healdsburg, California – June 17, 2015 – International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in wine industry transactions, announced today that IWA served as advisors to Oregon’s Olsen Agricultural Enterprises in the sale of over 6,000 acres of agricultural farmland to Farmland LP.
“This is the sixth significant transaction that International Wine Associates has completed in the Pacific Northwest” said Robert Nicholson, partner at IWA. “With the sale of Olsen, IWA has sold over $150 million in Oregon and Washington wine industry assets and wineries, including Hogue Cellars, Pacific Rim Winemakers and The Four Graces. In the last two years IWA has also sold two separate Oregon vineyards to Burgundy’s Louis Jadot and Washington’s Sagemoor Vineyards to Allan Brothers.”
The Olsen family played a pioneering role in the establishment of Willamette Valley agriculture for two generations. Their company farmed over 6,000 acres of owned and leased land, specializing in a variety of crops, including blueberries, hazelnuts, grass seed and peppermint, and was one of Oregon’s largest wine grape growers.
Farmland LP acquires large-scale conventional farmland and adds value by implementing high productivity organic and sustainable agricultural practices. Founded in 2009, the firm manages over 13,500 owned and leased acres in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
International Wine Associates Advises Duckhorn In The Sale Of A Howell Mountain Vineyard To Robert Craig Winery
Healdsburg, California – January, 2015 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates (IWA), the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors and represented Duckhorn Wine Company in the sale of their Howell Mountain Candlestick Vineyard to Robert Craig Winery. IWA initiated this transaction and represented Duckhorn.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advises Thomas Latour Vineyards In The Sale To Gamble Family Vineyards
Healdsburg, California – November, 2014 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates (IWA), the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors to Thomas LaTour Vineyards in the sale to Gamble Family Vineyards. IWA initiated this transaction and represented Thomas LaTour Vineyards.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advises Well Known Reit Epr In The Sale Of An Alexander Valley Vineyard To Foley Family Wines
Healdsburg, California – December, 2014 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates (IWA), the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors to Entertainment Properties Trust (NYSE: EPR), a publicly traded REIT, in the sale of their Alexander Valley vineyard to Foley Family Wines. IWA initiated this transaction and represented EPR.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Represents Gehrts Vineyard In IWA’s Second Sale To Burgundy’s Louis Jadot
Healdsburg, California – November, 2014 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates (IWA), the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors to Gehrts Vineyard in the sale to Louis Jadot. IWA initiated this transaction and represented Gehrts Vineyard.
The sale of Gehrts Vineyard to Louis Jadot is IWA’s second sale of a prestigious Oregon vineyard property to Burgundy’s leading wine producer.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advises Washington’s Sagemoor Vineyards In Sale To Allan Brothers
Healdsburg, California – April 30, 2014 – Robert Nicholson of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in wine industry transactions, announced today that International Wine Associates served as advisors and represented Washington’s Sagemoor Vineyards in the sale to Allan Brothers.
“This is the fourth significant transaction that International Wine Associates has completed in Washington since 2001” said Nicholson. “With the sale of Sagemoor, we will have advised on and initiated over $100 million in Washington wine industry deals in the last twelve years. In 2001 Mike Hogue and Norm McKibben engaged us to sell Hogue Cellars, then in 2008 we sold Columbia Winery and Covey Run Winery for Constellation and in 2010 we represented Pacific Rim Winemakers in their sale to Banfi”.
Sagemoor Vineyards is made up of four properties under common management : Sagemoor, Bacchus, Dionysus and Weinbau, and is a highly respected and diversified farming operation with 883 acres of wine grapes, 230 acres of cherries and 190 acres of apples. Sagemoor grapes are sold to over 70 Washington wineries and vineyard designated wines from Walla Walla Vintners, Tamarack Cellars, Barrister, Januik, Arbor Crest, Rasa Vineyards, Abeja, and Hedges, among others consistently, produce high scoring wines. Allan Brothers is a large family owned Washington agricultural company with a history dating back to the 1920’s.
International Wine Associates Represents Oregon’s The Four Graces In The Sale To Bill Foley
Healdsburg, California – March 31, 2014 – Robert Nicholson of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in wine industry transactions, announced today that International Wine Associates served as exclusive advisors to Oregon’s The Four Graces Winery and Vineyard in the sale to Foley Family Wines.
“This is the second transaction in Oregon that International Wine Associates has completed in the last six months” said Nicholson. “Last year Louis Jadot approached us to find them a top quality Oregon vineyard and we found them Resonance Vineyard. With Foley’s arrival in Oregon and interest from other large wine companies Oregon is now attracting the attention of the global wine industry”.
The Four Graces was founded by Ms. Paula Marie Black and Steven L. Black and was established by the Black family in 2003 with the purchase of the Black Family Estate in Dundee and has quickly grown to become one of the most successful Oregon wineries. The winery was named after the founders’ four daughters.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Represents Oregon Vineyard In Sale To Louis Jadot
Healdsburg, California – August 21, 2013 – Robert Nicholson of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in wine industry transactions, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors and represented Oregon’s Resonance Vineyard in the sale to France’s Maison Louis Jadot.
“We are pleased to have assisted Louis Jadot find this unique Oregon vineyard where world class Pinot Noir can be produced and to have represented Kevin and Carla Chambers and bring such a prestigious wine producer to Oregon” said Nicholson.
Resonance Vineyard is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and is one of Oregon’s most highly rated Pinot Noir vineyards. Over the years a number of leading Oregon wineries have produced vineyard designate Pinot Noir wines from grapes produced by Resonance.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advises Mayacamas Vineyards In The Sale To Private Investor Group
Healdsburg, California – April 30, 2013 – Robert Nicholson of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in wine industry transactions, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors and represented Mayacamas Vineyards, a Napa Valley “first growth” estate, in the sale of the company to a group of investors.
Mayacamas was one of six California Cabernet Sauvignon producers who participated in the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris Tasting” and was brought to prominence by the Travers family, led by Bob Travers, who plans to retire after the sale.
Mayacamas is one of the Napa Valley’s most revered Cabernet Sauvignon estates and the wines have performed well in more recent tastings of the original “Judgment of Paris” wines, moving to 2nd and 3rd place in the 1986 and 2006 tastings, respectively.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Represented Silverado Hill Winery In The Sale To The Laird Family Estate
Healdsburg, California – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates, the leading mergers and acquisitions company, announced that IWA represented Silverado Hill Winery in the sale to Laird Family Estate. Sally Nicholson and Josh Grace from IWA initiated this transaction and represented Silverado Hill.
“Our family is excited about this new acquisition. Expanding our custom crush operation to three facilities, we are fulfilling an industry need of additional storage, crush and fermentation. We are also adding a valuable service to our clients; a state-of-the-art collective hospitality center.” Rebecca Laird, General Manager, Laird Family Estate. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advises Lancaster Estate In The Sale To Foley Family Wines
Healdsburg, California – 13 November, 2012 – Robert Nicholson of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine industry transactions, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors to Lancaster Estate, a prestigious winery in the Alexander Valley, in the sale of the company to Foley Family Wines. IWA represented Lancaster in this transaction.
The founder of Lancaster Estate, Ted Simpkins, will continue to be involved in the business and is excited to be partnering with Foley Family Wines to further expand the Lancaster Estate and Roth brands.
Vintner Bill Foley believes that Lancaster’s quality reputation and positioning fits perfectly within the Foley Family Wines portfolio. Foley said that “Lancaster Estate is an elite producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties”.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advises Sausal In The Sale To Silver Oak Cellars
Healdsburg, California – 15 August, 2012 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors to Sausal Vineyard & Winery, one of the Alexander Valley’s oldest boutique wineries, in the sale to Silver Oak Cellars. IWA initiated this transaction and represented Sausal.
Sausal Vineyards was acquired by the Demostene Family in 1956. The Demostene Family said they are delighted to sell their property to Silver Oak, and they are confident the Duncan Family will be good stewards of the land.
David R. Duncan, President and CEO of Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars is excited by the vineyard acquisition as it will give him and his winemaking team a new vineyard site with unique viticultural conditions. “The Sausal Vineyard site presents us with an excellent opportunity to grow Cabernet Sauvignon with a variety of soils and conditions not previously available to us in the production of our Alexander Valley Cabernet,” Duncan said. “We are excited to see what other opportunities it will afford us in the future.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Served As Exclusive Advisors And Represented Moet Hennessy Usa (Domaine Chandon) In The Sale Of A Sonoma County Vineyard Asset To Sangiacomo Family Vineyards
Healdsburg, California – June 2012 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors in the sale of a Sonoma County vineyard asset for Domaine Chandon to Sangiacomo Family Vineyards.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Served As Exclusive Advisors And Represented Grupo Codorniu (Artesa Winery) In The Sale Of An Alexander Valley Vineyard To Duckhorn Vineyards
Healdsburg, California – June 2012 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors to Grupo Codorniu, in the sale of an Alexander Valley vineyard to Duckhorn Vineyards.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Served As Exclusive Advisors And Represented Constellation Brands In The Sale Of The Blackstone Winery To A Private Wine Industry Investor
Healdsburg, California – May 2012 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors in the sale of the Blackstone Winery in Kenwood, California for Constellations Brands to a private wine industry investor.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advised Diageo In The Sale Of Edna Valley Vineyard To E. & J. Gallo Winery
Healdsburg, California – 8 August, 2011 – Robert Nicholson of International Wine Associates announced that IWA served as advisors to Diageo North America and initiated the sale of Edna Valley Vineyard to E. & J. Gallo Winery.
According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, “Edna Valley will help us expand both our footprint in the Central Coast and in the Chardonnay category. The brand represents wines from a superior appellation and is well positioned to offer consumers wines of extraordinary value long into the future.”
“We are excited to be working with Gallo to continue to grow the world class grapes that provide the foundation for the Edna Valley Vineyard wines” said John R. Niven of Paragon Vineyard Company.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advised Laurel Glen Vineyard In The Sale Of The Estate To A Private Investor Group
Healdsburg, California – February 2011 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as exclusive advisors in the sale of Laurel Glen Vineyard, Sonoma, California to a group of private wine industry investors. IWA initiated this transaction and represented Laurel Glen Vineyard.
Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Served As Advisor To Randall Grahm In The Sale Of Pacific Rim Winemakers To Banfi Vintners
Healdsburg, California – 31 December, 2010 – Robert Nicholson, the principal of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine and liquor industry, announced that IWA served as exclusive advisors to Randall Grahm, the owner of Pacific Rim Winemakers, a leading producer of Washington wines, and initiated the sale of Pacific Rim to the Mariani family of Banfi Vintners.
According to the Mariani Family their acquisition of Pacific Rim promises opportunities that will lead the business to even greater heights. “It’s clear that there’s something very special happening at Pacific Rim,” says James Mariani, co-CEO of Banfi “Pacific Rim has recorded unprecedented growth while maintaining the highest standards of wine quality and business innovation. These core values align seamlessly to the Mariani Family and our existing portfolio of brands.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Served As Advisors And Represented Brown-Forman In The Sale Of A California Wine Asset
Healdsburg, California – April 2010 – Robert Nicholson, a principal of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as advisors and initiated the sale of a California vineyard asset for Brown-Forman, Louisville, Kentucky to financial investors.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Advises Hangar One Vodka In A Sale To A U.S. Subsidiary Of Jose Cuervo
Healdsburg, California – 25 May, 2010 – Robert Nicholson, the principal of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that specializes in the liquor and wine industry, announced that IWA served as exclusive advisors to the owners of Hangar One vodka, the leading brand of American craft distilled vodka, and initiated the sale of the trademark and distribution rights to Proximo Spirits, a U.S. subsidiary of Jose Cuervo.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
International Wine Associates Served As Advisor To Constellation Brands, Inc. In The Sale For Up To $ 209 Million Of Certain California And Pacific Northwest Assets To Ascentia Wine Estates, A California Based Private Firm
Healdsburg, California – 10 June, 2008 – Robert Nicholson, the principal of International Wine Associates, the mergers and acquisitions firm that specializes in the wine industry, announced today that IWA served as advisor to Constellation Brands, Inc., a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol, in the sale for up to $209 million of certain California and Pacific Northwest Wine Assets to Ascentia Wine Estates, a Sonoma, California based private firm.
Included in the sale are assets for the following brands: Geyser Peak, Buena Vista, Gary Farrell, Atlas Peak and XYZin in California, Columbia Winery and Covey Run in Washington State, and Ste. Chapelle in Idaho. Collectively, these brands represented approximately one million cases of wine sold in calendar year 2007.
