The Wyckoff Family, an agribusiness dating back to 1950, has announced the acquisition of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. 

Known for being Washington’s leading wine company, this is the first time in over 50 years that Ste. Michelle will be owned by a private Washington-based company. It is being acquired from the private equity firm Sycamore Partners, who previously purchased Ste. Michelle in 2021 for $1.2 billion. 

The acquisition includes all the Ste. Michelle wine brands, facilities and vineyards in Washington. Brands include Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, 14 Hands, Liquid Light, Estival, Spring Valley Vineyard, Ethos and Northstar. 

The deal follows a close relationship between Ste. Michelle and the Wyckoff family, who for more than four decades have been partners. 

Court Wyckoff, CEO of Wyckoff Farms and Coventry Vale Winery, said: “Ste. Michelle has been the long-term driving force behind Washington’s wine industry. As partners since the early 1980’s, we deeply believe in Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ outstanding portfolio of iconic Northwest wine brands. 

“We look forward to working with the Ste. Michelle team to build on its leadership, invest in winemaking quality and champion Washington’s wine grape growers and Washington wine to consumers across the country.” 

David Bowman, co-CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, said: “Our team is thrilled to welcome family ownership with deep roots in Washington’s wine and grape-growing community who share our vision for sustained growth and our uncompromising commitment to wine quality.” 

Anna Mosier, co-CEO, added, “We look forward to continuing to work closely with our Washington grower partners across the state. Like them, we will now be a family-owned endeavour focused on making the right long-term decisions for Ste. Michelle and for the Washington wine and grape growing industry.” 

Image credit: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates