Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Acquires A to Z Wineworks

Veritas Vineyards & Winery Agrees to Be Acquired by Veritas Legacy Partners

May 4, 2026

Food & Beverage

Veritas Vineyards & Winery, a Virginia winery and wine-tourism destination, has agreed to be acquired by Veritas Legacy Partners, LLC. Charlottesville entrepreneur Kurt Wassenaar and Eric Trebour of the Trebour Family (Central Virginia business and investment group) will serve as co-managers, with founders Patricia and Andrew Hodson retiring while Emily Hodson continues to lead the cellar and George Hodson remains CEO. The transaction is subject to conditions and approvals and is expected to close early this summer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.