Addition of Leading Winery in Oregon Expands Position in Pacific Northwest
Woodinville, Wash. (September 7, 2022) — Ste. Mitchell Wine Estates (“Ste Michele”) has acquired A to Z Wineworks (“A to Z”), a top-selling winery in Oregon. This is Ste’s first strategic acquisition. Mitchell Wine Estates owned by private equity firm Sycamore Partners.
Together with Ste. Michelle’s Erath Winery offers Ste, in addition to the A to Z and REX Hill brands. Mitchell will be a major producer of the state’s signature variety, Pinot Noir, with a substantial presence in Oregon and the combined occupation.
“We are delighted to welcome A to Z to the Ste. Mitchell family,” said David Deary, President and CEO of Ste. Mitchell Wine Estates. “Erath and A to Z are committed to producing high quality wines at reasonable prices. share the same passion for, making A to Z a natural fit for Ste. Michelle. The future of Pacific Northwest wines – both Oregon and Washington – is bright and we are excited to introduce new consumers across the country and around the world to the full complement of our region’s outstanding wines.
A to Z President and CEO Amy Prosenjak will join Ste. Mitchell, as president of Oregon Brands, oversees the company’s joint operations in the state.
“I have long admired Ste. Michelle’s leadership in the Pacific Northwest and her decades-long commitment to promoting the region’s wines,” said Ms. Prosenjak. Retiring as a mentor has given me the great gift of mentorship over the years. With such deep roots, I look forward to joining David and Ste. Mitchell is raising the bar even higher for the senior leadership team as well as for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. ,
In addition to Ms. Prosenjak, A to Z founding partners Deb Hatcher, Cheryl Francis and Sam Tanhill will join Ste. Michelle as consultant. The founding partners of A to Z started the company over 20 years ago and have worked tirelessly to produce the highest quality wines for the highest sustainable value, a goal that remains the company’s guiding principle. In addition to developing into one of Oregon’s most prestigious wineries, A to Z became a Certified B Corp in 2014 in recognition of its positive environmental practices.
“We couldn’t have found a better partner than Ste. Michelle will carry on the legacy of both A to Z and Rex Hill,” said Ms. Hatcher. “They understand the Pacific Northwest better than anyone, and they know what it takes to promote the entire region on a global scale.”
“St. Michel understands quality and production for wineries both small and large,” said Francis. “We are excited to be working with Ste. Mitchell furthers Oregon’s hard-earned reputation for producing world-class wines.
Added Tannahill, “Ste. Mitchell has always taken a long-term approach to grape growing and winemaking, including his commitment to sustainability and his support for viticulture and enology research.
BNP Paribas Securities Corp. Worked as Financial Advisor for A to Z. Bank of the West continues as a lender to both Ste. Michelle and A to Z. Kirkland and Ellis acted as legal counsel for Ste. Michelle and Tonkon Torp endorsed A to Z.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Ste. Mitchell Wine Estates
Ste. Mitchell Wine Estates is the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest premium wineries in the United States. With a distinguished history dating back to 1934, the winery now cultivates more than 30,000 acres in Washington, Oregon and California and distributes its wines in more than 100 countries. Ste. Mitchell Wine Estates pioneered vinifera winegrowing in Washington and remains the driving force behind viticulture and enology research in the state, including the establishment of the Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program and the creation of the university’s research and teaching wineries, Which is now named Ste. Mitchell Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center.
Ste. Mitchell traces its roots to the establishment of The Pomerelle Company and the National Wine Company (NAWICO) in 1934 and 1935, respectively, shortly after the repeal of Prohibition. Pommerelle and NAWICO merged in 1954 to become the American wine producer. American wine growers first produced wines under Ste. Michelle Vineyards label in 1967. Ste. Mitchell first entered Oregon with the purchase of Erth in 2006. Ste. Chateau Ste is included in the Michelle Wine Estates portfolio. Mitchell, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Erath, A to Z, H3, Liquid Light, Intrinsic, REX Hill, Spring Valley Vineyards, Patz & Hall, and Northstar, as well as many other premium brands. The winery also has partnerships with Marchesi Antinori (Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Col Solare), Ernst Laussen (Eroica), and Michel Gassier (Tenet). Ste. Michel Wine Estates serves as the exclusive US importer for Marchesi Antinori and Champagne Nicolas Feuillet. For more information please visit www.smwe.com.
About A to Z Wineworks
A to Z Wineworks carefully blends “The Essence of Oregon” to produce wines notable for their diversity, especially from vineyards that meander through Oregon’s Western Valleys. The company sets the standard for cool-climate, food-friendly Oregon Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. A to Z Wineworks is Oregon’s best-selling brand known for dependable, affordable quality. For more information visit www.atozwineworks.com.
About Google Partners
Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm based in New York. The firm specializes in retail, consumer and distribution-related investments and partners with management teams to improve their business’s operational profitability and strategic value. With total committed capital of approximately $10 billion since its inception in 2011, investors in Sycamore Partners include major endowments, financial institutions, family offices, pension plans and sovereign wealth funds. For more information about Sycamore Partners, visit www.sycamorepartners.com.
