Crimson Wine Group Acquires Sonoma’s Raeburn Winery for $35 Million

Crimson Wine Group has acquired Sonoma’s Raeburn Winery for $35 million, adding a notable Chardonnay brand to its portfolio. The purchase grants Crimson access to Raeburn’s brand and inventory, although it does not include the winery or vineyards. Raeburn is recognized for producing approximately 250,000 cases annually, with a focus on Chardonnays priced between $15 and $25.

Crimson’s CEO Jennifer Locke emphasized the strategic value of this acquisition, noting that while the overall U.S. wine market is facing challenges, Raeburn is a strong brand not suffering from distress. The acquisition is expected to significantly boost Crimson’s production, raising it from around 400,000 cases to include Raeburn’s output. With its existing 1,000 acres of vineyards and three winery facilities across California, Crimson is well-equipped to enhance Raeburn’s offerings.

Raeburn’s production consists primarily of white wine, a growing segment in a declining market. Industry data identifies it as one of the top ten largest Chardonnay brands by domestic sales volume. Established in 2013 by Derek Benham, Raeburn has built a reputation for quality and value, recently expanding its lineup to include a Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Colleen FitzGerald, previously the winemaker at Pine Ridge, will now lead Raeburn’s winemaking efforts. FitzGerald has a solid background, having managed the successful Chenin Blanc-Viognier blend at Pine Ridge, which ranked among the top wines in Wine Spectator’s recent reviews.

Locke believes that Raeburn is more than just a brand; it has a sense of provenance and is designed to appeal to a broad consumer market without being intimidating. The acquisition positions Crimson Wine Group to further capitalize on Raeburn’s established reputation while leveraging its resources for growth in the premium wine sector.

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