Antinori's full acquisition of Col Solare is a fact. Expansion of Italy's "big wine family" continues in Washington, D.C.
Cover photo: @Mauro Puccini
The news
The Antinori family, an Italian winemaking giant with roots dating back to 1385, will take full control of the famous Col Solare winery in Washington state. This move comes after nearly three decades of partnership with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, further solidifying Antinori's presence in the United States, as Decanter reports.
Col Solare, which means "shining hill" in Italian, was established in 1995 as an equal joint venture between Antinori and Ste. Michelle. Over the years, this collaboration has resulted in wines that embody refinement and elegance, with a particular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. But Col Solare is not just a poetic name; it is also a winery renowned for its high quality wines. In 2022, Clive Pursehouse, editor of Decanter in the United States, described the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon as "an example of refinement and elegance." This wine perfectly represents Antinori's philosophy: a fusion of roots and innovation that is reflected in every bottle.
The complete acquisition of Col Solare by Antinori also is not an isolated event. Last year, the family had already acquired the entire property of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, an iconic Napa Valley winery, after partnering with Ste. Michelle for 16 years. Piero Antinori emphasized the family's fascination with the unique terroir of the Red Mountain AVA since the 1990s, calling this takeover an ongoing and exciting venture to produce distinctive, high-quality red wines from Washington.
The sale of Ste. Michelle in Col Solare was facilitated partially by the decision of its parent company, Altria Group, to divest Ste. Michelle to Sycamore Partners for $1.2 billion three years ago. This transaction led to a rethinking of Ste. Michelle, allowing Antinori to emerge as the natural buyer.
The acquisition, expected to close this month, includes the winery, the 12 hectares of vineyards, the entire estate and the Col Solare brand. Ste. Michelle will continue to own and operate other renowned labels in Washington State and Oregon, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.
