Stag's Leap Purchase Completed

NAPA VALLEY, CA; Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchesi Antinori, today completed their purchase of the legendary Napa Valley estate winery, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, in the Stags Leap District.

The purchase agreement includes a winery and its signature Napa Valley vineyardsS.L.V. and Faythe Stag's Leap Wine Cellars brand and the Hawk Crest label, and all inventories of Napa Valley and vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Stag's Leap founder Warren Winiarski will continue his involvement, serving as a consultant. The Stag's Leap vineyard and winemaking teams will remain in place.

"With harvest in progress in these special Stag's Leap vineyards, there could not be a more fitting time for assuming ownership of this acclaimed winery," said Ted Baseler, President and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. "We have in place a plan to continue the excellence that Warren first established three decades ago."

Piero Antinori said of the completion of the sale of Stag's Leap to Ste. Michelle and Antinori: "This fits with our company's vision to continue our innovations in Napa Valley, anchored by our Antica Napa Valley vineyards and wine."

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Keith Love - VP Communications & Corporate Affairs
14111 N.E. 145th Street
Woodinville, WA 98072
Work: (425) 415-3738
Cell: (206) 915-7033
Keith.Love@Ste-Michelle.com