Araujo Family Transfers Ownership of Accendo Winery to Napa’s Bettinelli Family and Jack Bittner

Siblings Greg and Jaime Araujo have sold their family brand, Accendo, to a group comprising vintner Jack Bittner and the Bettinelli family, known for their significant grapegrowing operations in Napa. The deal includes the Accendo brand and its current inventory, although it does not involve any vineyards, and the purchase price remains undisclosed.

Jaime Araujo expressed that placing Accendo in the hands of top growers in Napa is a logical step, emphasizing the importance of grower relationships. "Accendo has always been about the growers," she stated, highlighting her ongoing commitment to her own wine brand, Trois Noix, and her role as chair of the Napa Valley Vintners board.

Accendo was established after the Araujo parents sold the original Araujo brand and Eisele Vineyard in 2013. The siblings envisioned Accendo as a tribute to the classic blended Cabernets of the 1970s, aiming for an Oakville signature. Under winemaker Nigel Kinsman’s guidance, their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon has garnered impressive ratings, with several vintages receiving accolades of 95 points or higher.

Currently, Accendo produces around 900 cases each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc annually, with no immediate plans for increased production. Bittner, a former partner at notable Napa wineries Ovid and Silver Oak, shared intentions to understand the brand’s customer base while maintaining its integrity.

The Bettinelli family, a fifth-generation operation, has a substantial presence in Napa, managing about 350 acres of vines and farming an additional 600 acres. Their involvement creates continuity, as they have supplied fruit to Accendo since 2014, including the Sleeping Lady Vineyard.

With plans to adapt the fruit sourcing strategy, the new owners aim to incorporate their vineyards while ensuring that total production levels do not rise. The Bettinellis also have ambitions for the recently acquired Mitchell Vineyard, projecting it to be the new home for Accendo Estate, where they’ve already planted 15 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Overall, this sale marks a significant transition for the Accendo brand, positioning it under experienced stewardship with a commitment to its legacy while exploring new vineyard potentials in Napa.

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