Antinori has been a minority partner at the iconic Napa winery since Ste. Michelle purchased it from founder Warren Winiarski in 2007, and on May 9 the companies announced that Antinori will be buying the remaining 85% stake from Ste. Michelle.
The sale includes the winery, brand and inventory, and close to 300 acres of Napa vines, including the Fay and S.L.V. vineyards. The purchase price was not disclosed.
“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 of Marchesi Antinori.
Warren Winiarski was a college lecturer in Chicago before he moved his family to Napa Valley in 1964 to explore wine. After stints at Souverain Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery, he founded Stag’s Leap in 1970. Only a decade earlier, the Stags Leap District had been considered too cool to grow Cabernet Sauvignon. Winiarski quickly showed his technical skills and the promise of the area.
This story is from the July 31, 2023 edition of Wine Spectator.
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This story is from the July 31, 2023 edition of Wine Spectator.
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