Napa Valley, CA – December 7, 2023 – Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is pleased to announce Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant, will represent Heitz Cellar and Ink Grade, two estates from their Napa Valley portfolio, in the UK market. Both wineries are part of the Lawrence Wine Estates portfolio, which Demeine Estates markets and distributes both in North America and globally.
“We are eager for consumers in the UK to experience offerings from both Heitz Cellar and Ink Grade, two examples of Napa Valley legacy and winemaking excellence producing elegant, age-worthy wines,” said Lawrence Wine Estates CEO and Demeine Estates Co-Founder Carlton McCoy, MS.
Family owned since its founding in 1961, Heitz Cellar is a legacy winery that helped shape the history of Napa Valley winemaking, and is known for creating the first vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon from the region, the Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard. All of the wines are made from organically farmed, 100% Napa Valley fruit. In April 2018, Heitz Cellar entered an exciting new chapter as this rich heritage was passed into the hands of the Lawrence family, whose deep roots in agriculture and commitment to the same core values of fine winemaking made it a perfect match.
“We are excited to partner with one of the most historic and esteemed retailers and importers in the UK to bring the Lawrence Wine Estates portfolio of wines to the market, as we continue to expand the global reach of our revered Napa Valley producers,” said Demeine Estates President Philana Bouvier. “We are encouraged with the response to these wines, which align with consumer demand for fine wine in the UK market and are thrilled to work closely with Berry Bros. & Rudd to showcase these legacy wines on the world stage.”
Ink Grade creates single-estate wines of remarkable intensity and grace from its estate vineyard in the Howell Mountain AVA. Ink Grade is known for organic and biodynamic farming across its 750-acre property, with 220 certified acres under vine. A product of a distinct microclimate and rugged terrain, Ink Grade seeks to honor the heritage of this vineyard and purity of mountain fruit.
“We are delighted to confirm two exceptional Napa Valley properties, Heitz Cellar and Ink Grade, as part of the Berry Bros. & Rudd and FM&V offering,” said Catriona Felstead MW, senior buyer at Berry Bros. & Rudd. “Heitz Cellar’s Martha’s Vineyard needs little introduction, and we are delighted to also be offering the fantastic Heitz Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and other single vineyard wines from their estate. The Ink Grade wine range launched only two years ago in the USA, and we are delighted to launch this single-estate range now in the UK.”
About Demeine Estates
Demeine Estates is a family-owned producer, importer and marketer of the world’s finest wines based in the heart of Napa Valley, California. A leader in luxury wines in the U.S., Demeine Estates sets the standard in exceptional marketing, fine wine sales, and distribution services. Founded by The Lawrence family and Carlton McCoy Jr., MS, and led by President Philana Bouvier, Demeine Estates’ curated portfolio also consists of both premium family-owned domestic and international producers who represent exceptional wines anchored by quality viticulture. demeineestates.com
About Lawrence Wine Estates
Lawrence Wine Estates supports a growing collection of wine estates in Napa Valley and France. The collection includes Heitz Cellar, Haynes, Burgess, Ink Grade, Brendel, Stony Hill Vineyards, and Château Lascombes in Bordeaux – all wineries with a deep legacy that are anchored by distinct estate vineyards. Lawrence Wine Estates is led by Master Sommelier and Chief Executive Officer Carlton McCoy, Jr. All the estate wineries honor traditional winemaking philosophies and prioritize biodynamic farming techniques to create pure and balanced wines of the highest quality. lawrencewineestates.com
About Berry Bros. & Rudd
Berry Bros. & Rudd has been a trusted merchant since 1698 and in 2023 we celebrate 325 years in business. We’ve survived over the centuries because, as a family business, we have always operated with family values in mind. Recognized as the global destination for fine wine and spirits, Berry Bros. & Rudd still operates from its historic home at No. 3 St James’s Street and we are committed to helping customers drink better now, and in the future. As we mark our 325th year, we continue to collaborate with our community of customer, producers, and colleagues to help create a sustainable future so we can confidently raise a toast to the next 325 years.
