SONOMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Vincraft Group, a Sonoma-based wine company, announced today that it has purchased pioneering Russian River Valley Pinot Noir producer Gary Farrell Winery from Ascentia Wine Estates. With this acquisition, Vincraft expands its small portfolio of fine wine companies, including the critically acclaimed Kosta Browne Winery.
Located on Westside Road in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Gary Farrell Winery crafts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from some of Sonoma County’s finest vineyards. Vincraft is a local group, dedicated to preserving the winery’s history, honoring its legacy in the region, and renewing its focus on vineyard expression through the highest quality winemaking.
“The Vincraft Group is committed to providing our brands with the resources and support they need to ensure future success,” said Pete Scott, CEO of The Vincraft Group. “We welcome the opportunity to include this great brand in our portfolio. Gary Farrell Winery is a top-notch producer with the consummate Russian River heritage. We can’t wait to reconnect with customers and the industry to elevate awareness of all that Gary Farrell Winery has to offer.”
“Vincraft seeks opportunities where we and the management team have a shared vision of the winery’s unique culture and long-term potential,” he continued. “Vincraft expects and encourages each of our portfolio wineries to operate independently, thus preserving the qualities and characteristics that differentiate luxury brands.”
“We are incredibly passionate about what we do,” said Susan Reed, Winemaker, “and The Vincraft Group is the perfect partner to ensure fine wine quality and customer focus going forward.”
“Having Vincraft as our new owner gives Gary Farrell Winery a partnership with the resources to enhance our standing as a premier wine producer,” said Gary Archer, Operations Manager.
The winery was founded by Gary Farrell with the 1982 vintage of Rochioli-Allen Pinot Noir. From the beginning, the winery helped to brand the Russian River Valley and Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier Pinot Noir growing regions. The tradition will now continue with fine Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays sourced from some of the area’s leading vineyards.
About Gary Farrell Winery
For almost thirty years, Gary Farrell Winery has been both a pioneer and leader in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery is best known for crafting small-lot wines that capture the impeccable balance and elegance of some of the finest vineyards in the region. Gary Farrell first released fifty cases of the ‘82 Rochioli-Allen Pinot Noir in 1985 to widespread critical acclaim. With a renewed focus and commitment to its roots, Gary Farrell Winery produces wines expressing the flavors of Sonoma County’s unique sunlight, soil and exceptional grapes. To learn more about the winery, please visit: www.garyfarrellwines.com.
About The Vincraft Group
The Vincraft Group was formed in 2008 by Bill Price, Walt Klenz and Pete Scott, wine industry veterans with over 70 combined years of experience as investors in and operators of highly regarded wineries. Their industry expertise ranges from large, broadly distributed producers such as Beringer and Kendall-Jackson to highly-allocated, luxury-tier wineries including Kosta Browne and Kistler. Vincraft is creating a portfolio of distinctive, limited-production wineries that are well-established and already enjoy a reputation for consistently well-crafted wines. In fall 2009, Vincraft made its first investment with Kosta Browne Winery. Today, the group announces the addition of Gary Farrell Winery to the portfolio. For more information, please visit www.vincraftgroup.com.