CALISTOGA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Araujo Estate Wines, producer of distinctive wines from the iconic Eisele Vineyard in Napa Valley, has been acquired by France’s Pinault family through its holding the Artémis Group, parent company of Château Latour in Bordeaux, Domaine d’Eugénie in Burgundy and Château Grillet in the Rhône Valley. The purchase includes the 38-acre Biodynamic and organically-farmed Eisele Vineyard, the winery and cave complex in northern Napa Valley, the Araujo Estate brand and existing inventory. The purchase price was not disclosed.
“In 1990 we began a new chapter in our lives when we purchased the Eisele Vineyard, an event that shaped our world through the magical terroir of the vineyard, the extraordinary people who work with us to grow the best grapes and make the best wine that we can each vintage, and the very special friends and colleagues who have continued to loyally support the fruits of our labors,” said Araujo Estate founders, Bart and Daphne Araujo. “The Artémis Group is the perfect buyer of this amazing vineyard we have called home for 23 years. The rich heritage of Château Latour and its other wine properties, combined with the family’s passion for the wine business, absolute commitment to excellence, and extraordinary track record of success, assures that the stewardship of Araujo Estate and the Eisele Vineyard will continue with the best of care and intentions.”
“Araujo Estate and its jewel, the unique Eisele Vineyard, have been producing consistently one of the very best wines of Napa Valley,” said Frédéric Engerer, CEO of Chateau Latour, in a statement. “We would very much like to pay tribute to the exceptional work of Bart and Daphne Araujo, whose pioneering vision, dedication to excellence and attention to detail has built one of the most respected wine estates in the world.”
All North American staff, including the entire winemaking team, will remain with the estate under its new ownership. Bart and Daphne Araujo will stay in residence at Araujo Estate until January 2014 to assist in the transition.
Founded in 1990 by Bart and Daphne Araujo, Araujo Estate is a 162-acre wine property located in northern Napa Valley. Its focus is the 38-acre Biodynamic and organically-farmed Eisele Vineyard, one of the most respected Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Napa Valley, and a winery and cave complex designed and built specifically to vinify Eisele Vineyard grapes.
