Marchesi Antinori and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates announce change in ownership in the iconic Napa estate
NAPA, California (May 9, 2023) – Marchesi Antinori, one of the oldest Italian family-owned fine wine producers; and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest and among the largest premium wineries in the U.S.; have announced that Marchesi Antinori will take over full ownership of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars after 16 years of collaboration with the prestigious American company.
“There are few opportunities in one’s lifetime when such an important and historical winery as Stag’s Leap is available. I have to thank Ste Michelle Wine Estates for this great occasion that has been given to us,” said Piero Antinori, Honorary President for Marchesi Antinori.
“It is a source of pride for me and my family to have the possibility to confirm the promise made to my friend Warren Winiarski 16 years ago, to preserve the legacy and the values of such a prestigious estate as Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is,” added Antinori.
“It has been an honor partnering with the Antinori family to build on the incredible history of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars over the past 16 years, and we wish the family well as they carry this legacy into the future,” said Shawn Conway, Chief Executive Officer for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
“Our roots – dating back 90 years this year – are in the Pacific Northwest, and that’s where the future of our company lies, as well. This move enables us to better focus our energy and resources on the part of our business with the greatest potential for growth – our Pacific Northwest portfolio,” added Conway.
The family, which is the only Italian wine-producer to own a winery in Napa, has been already involved in the Valley since 1985. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars confirms the strong belief of Antinori for this extraordinary territory.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of June.
About Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Considered one of the “first growths” of Napa Valley, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars produces renowned Cabernet Sauvignon from its historic Stags Leap District estate vineyards. Founded in 1970, the winery brought international recognition to California winemaking and the Napa Valley when the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the now famous 1976 Paris Tasting, also known as the “Judgment of Paris.”
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ three estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons–CASK 23, S.L.V. and FAY–are among the most highly regarded and collected Cabernet Sauvignons worldwide. The same classic style of the estate wines is expressed in the Napa Valley wines – ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon, KARIA Chardonnay and AVETA Sauvignon Blanc.
For more information visit: www.stagsleapwinecellars.com
About Marchesi Antinori
The Antinori Family has been making wine for over 635 years. Throughout its long history, spanning 26 generations, the family has always personally managed the business making innovative, sometimes courageous choices, always with unwavering respect for tradition and the land.
Today, Albiera Antinori is the president of Marchesi Antinori with the continuous close support of her two sisters, Allegra and Alessia, all actively involved in first person in the business.
Marchesi Antinori is the combination of different estates, mainly in Tuscany and Umbria,
located in wine-growing areas that are particularly suited to the production of high-quality wines in a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
During his first visit to Napa Valley in the 60s, Marchese Piero Antinori felt in love with the place and since 1985, the family has been involved in the estate which is part of Antinori Napa Valley.
For more information visit www.antinori.it
About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is among the largest and most admired premium wine companies in the U.S. and the pioneering winery of the Pacific Northwest. With a distinguished history that began on December 5, 1933 – when the founder filed the original articles of incorporation at 9:02 a.m. on the very day Prohibition was repealed – Ste. Michelle has always challenged convention and seized opportunity.
Principles rooted deeply in executional excellence and relentless focus drive Ste. Michelle’s passion for producing the highest quality wines, dedication to the consumer and a commitment to our communities.
The Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio features the leading wineries from the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Col Solare and Spring Valley Vineyard from Washington; A to Z, Erath, and REX HILL from Oregon; Conn Creek and Patz & Hall from Napa and Sonoma, respectively; Marchesi Antinori of Italy; and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte of France.
For more on the rich history of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and its entire portfolio of premium wineries, please visit www.smwe.com.
