J-V ACQUIRES STAG’S LEAP FOR $185 MILLION

The famous Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars announced it is being acquired by a joint-venture between UST’s Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchese Piero Antinori of Italy. The sale includes the estate’s brand, its Napa winery and its Napa estate vineyards, S.L.V. and Fay. Founding winemaker Warren Winiarski will remain in an advisory role for three years.Ste. Michelle will own 85% of the j-v with privately held Marchesi Antinori, which UST already distributes in the United States.As most of you are