Antinori’s expansion continues with complete control of renowned Washington winery
BENTON CITY – In a significant move, Marchesi Antinori, one of Italy’s oldest family-owned wine producers, announced it will take full ownership of Col Solare, a renowned winery in Washington State’s Red Mountain AVA. This decision follows nearly 30 years of partnership with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE).
Founded in 1995 as a 50-50 joint venture, Col Solare brought together the unique winemaking traditions of Tuscany and Washington State. The collaboration aimed to create ultra-luxury Cabernet Sauvignon wines, capitalizing on the exceptional terroir of Red Mountain. In 2007, the partnership established a dedicated winery and estate vineyard, further cementing Col Solare’s reputation for high-quality wine production.
Piero Antinori, President of Marchesi Antinori, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, noting the family’s long-standing fascination with Red Mountain’s unique terroir. He highlighted this move, alongside the acquisition of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa Valley in 2023, as a testament to the Antinori family’s commitment to exceptional wine regions in the United States.
Shawn Conway, CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, praised the Antinori family’s dedication and investment, reflecting on the successful partnership that helped elevate Col Solare to an elite status in Washington’s wine industry. The acquisition includes the winery, the 29-acre estate vineyard, and the Col Solare brand.
The deal is another milestone in Marchesi Antinori’s expansive history. This acquisition allows SMWE to focus on its other luxury wine ventures, reinforcing its commitment to the Pacific Northwest’s wine future.
