Michael David Winery Poised to Operate Winery Facility for Local Production of North Coast Wines
LODI, CA (April 27, 2017) – Michael David Winery announced today the purchase of a historic Geyserville winery, tasting room, and vineyards. Originally constructed in 1982 by the Lyeth family, the winery was most recently owned and operated by Silver Oak Cellars from 1992 to 2017, who will move to a new Alexander Valley production facility in June. The acquisition, which includes 12 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards within Sonoma’s Alexander Valley AVA, expands Michael David Winery’s presence in California’s prestigious North Coast wine region. This marks the biggest acquisition by Michael David Winery to date and demonstrates its continued dedication to the North Coast and quality grape growing.
Michael David Winery has sourced fruit from the North Coast for years as part of their growing wine program. “Even though our roots are in Lodi, quality fruit from the North Coast region has always played an important role as blending components to our wines,” says Kevin Phillips, Vice President of Operations at Michael David Winery. “Having the ability to make these North Coast lots from harvest to glass adds another level of control and quality assurance to our finished wines. Being 6th generation Lodi growers, we see the North Coast as similar farming traditions and values. For that reason we are even more excited to be an active contributor to the community.”
Director of Winemaking for Michael David Winery, Adam Mettler, will oversee operations and management for the Geyserville facility.
Alexander Valley’s Munselle Vineyards has been contracted to manage the property’s vineyard. Like the Phillips, the Munselle family is a multi-generational farming operation with deep roots in its local community. “I have known Kevin and the Phillips family for quite a while and I look forward to working with such a strong family winery and vineyard business, one that shares similar ideas of community and sustainability,” said Bret Munselle, Partner and General Manager of Munselle Vineyards. “They will be a great addition to the Alexander Valley and the Sonoma County wine business.”
Zepponi & Company served as the exclusive financial advisor on the sale, the terms of which were not disclosed. No brands were included in the transaction.
Michael David Winery, producers of such brands as The 7 Deadly Zins, Freakshow, Petite Petit and Earthquake, is owned by the Phillips family, who have built their Lodi winery into one of the fastest growing wineries in the United States. The Phillips brothers released their first commercial wine in 1984 under the Phillips Vineyards label after years of growing grapes for other wineries. Now celebrating more than 30 years as a bonded winery, Michael David Winery has over 800 acres of vineyards in the Lodi Appellation and prides itself on meticulous farming practices and sustainable wine grape growing, which result in superior quality in the bottle. Located one mile east of Interestate 5 on HWY 12 in Lodi, CA, Michael David Winery wines regularly take top awards and gain recognition nationwide. For more information, visit the Michael David Winery’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MichaelDavidWinery, Instagram page at @MichaelDavidwinery and on Twitter at @MDWinery.
