Sycamore Partners Acquires Ste. Michelle Wine Estates from Altria Group

Wyckoff Family Acquires Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

December 10, 2025

Food & Beverage

The Wyckoff Family has acquired Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, including its portfolio of brands, vineyards, facilities and operations, returning Washington’s largest premium wine company to private regional family ownership. The deal preserves continuity of management and signals a long-term commitment to winemaking quality and Washington grape growers.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Acquires A to Z Wineworks

September 7, 2022

Food & Beverage

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has acquired Oregon-based A to Z Wineworks, marking Ste. Michelle's first strategic acquisition under its private equity owner, Sycamore Partners. The deal expands Ste. Michelle's Oregon footprint — combining A to Z and REX HILL with existing Erath Winery — and positions the company as a leading producer of Oregon Pinot Noir; terms were not disclosed.

Vintage Wine Estates Acquires The Sommelier Company

June 22, 2021

Food & Beverage

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. has acquired The Sommelier Company, a Huntington Beach-based provider of virtual and in-person sommelier-led tasting events and wine education. The acquisition expands Vintage Wine Estates' direct-to-consumer and event services capabilities across corporate and consumer markets.

Sycamore Partners Acquires Chico's FAS, Inc.

January 5, 2024

Retail

Sycamore Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, completed the take-private acquisition of Chico's FAS, Inc. for $7.60 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1 billion. The deal takes Chico's FAS, owner of the Chico's, White House Black Market and Soma brands, off the NYSE and positions Sycamore to pursue operational improvements and growth across the company's omnichannel retail footprint.

Ackley Brands Acquires Charles Smith Wines from The Wine Group

August 8, 2024

Food & Beverage

Seattle-based Ackley Brands has acquired the Charles Smith Wines portfolio (including Kung Fu Girl, Eve, The Velvet Devil, Band of Roses, Boom Boom! and Chateau Smith) from The Wine Group in a deal that closed August 8, 2024. The purchase was for brands and inventory only (no properties or personnel) and will move subsequent vintages to Ackley Brands' winemaking facility in Prosser, Washington as part of a broader strategy to expand its Pacific Northwest beverage portfolio.

Vintage Wine Estates Acquires Vinesse, LLC

September 28, 2021

Food & Beverage

Vintage Wine Estates (VWE) has acquired substantially all of the assets of Vinesse, LLC, a direct-to-consumer wine club operator with over 60,000 members and approximately $20 million in annual revenue. VWE paid $14 million cash plus a $2.5 million earnout, and expects to realize material cost synergies by bringing operations in-house while expanding DTC cross‑sell and digital capabilities; founder Larry Dutra (the seller) is expected to remain to help run the business.