Wyckoff Family Acquires Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Sycamore Partners Acquires Ste. Michelle Wine Estates from Altria Group

October 1, 2021

Food & Beverage

Sycamore Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, has completed its acquisition of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates from Altria Group. Ste. Michelle, the largest wine company in the Pacific Northwest with brands including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands and Columbia Crest, will operate as an independent, privately held company under Sycamore to pursue growth and expand its premium wine portfolio.

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.

Stonington Vineyards Sold to Local Family Buyer

March 19, 2025

Food & Beverage

Osage Advisors advised Stonington Vineyards on its sale to a local private family buyer. The Connecticut winery — founded in 1987 and producing about 6,000–7,000 cases annually — will be preserved by the new owners who plan to expand offerings, events and ties to the local food scene.

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.

The Wine Group Acquires Several Wine Brands and Production Facilities from Constellation Brands

June 2, 2025

Food & Beverage

The Wine Group (TWG) has completed the acquisition of several premium and ultra-premium wine brands and production facilities from Constellation Brands, including Cook's, J. Rogét, Meiomi, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, SIMI, and Woodbridge. The deal adds three production sites (Lodi, Monterey County, and the SIMI winery in Healdsburg), roughly 6,600 vineyard acres across California and approximately 500 employees, expanding TWG's premium portfolio, production capability and on‑premise and retail presence.