News Briefs for December 21, 2016

•Trinchero Family Estates has acquired Mason Cellars, owners of Pomelo and Three Pears wines, for an undisclosed price. The move bolsters Trinchero’s presence in both the $7-$10 and $10-$15 price segments. The Napa Valley-based Mason Cellars was founded in 1993 by renowned winemaker Randy Mason and his wife Megan. It’s best known for its California-appellated Pomelo range, which has received Top 100 accolades from Wine Spectator. Under the terms of the deal, Randy Mason will remain involved in the production and promotion of Mason Cellars wines.

•As SND reported yesterday, France’s EPI Group has formed a new alliance with Brunello di Montalcino icon Biondi-Santi. The move will see Biondi-Santi join Piper and Charles Heidsieck Champagnes in EPI’s drinks portfolio. Wine Spectator caught up with both Biondi Santi and EPI to learn more about the deal and plans for the prestigious Italian winery looking ahead.

•Rodney Strong Vineyards has announced a $250,000 gift to the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University (SSU). The gift will support the completion of SSU’s Wine Spectator Learning Center, and will also fund the launch of Rodney Strong Pathways, an initiative providing co-curricular training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career guidance and leadership to about 600 students in SSU’s Education Opportunity Program.

•Republic National Distribution Co. (RNDC) has named Nicholas Mehall as CFO, effective February 1, 2017. Most recently, Mehall served as senior vice president, finance for Diageo’s U.S. Spirits and Canada business. He will be based in Atlanta and report to RNDC president and CEO Tom Cole.

Tagged : Biondi-Santi, Charles Heidsieck, Diageo, EPI Group, Mason Cellars, Piper-Heidsieck, Pomelo, RNDC, Rodney Strong Vineyards, SSU, Three Pears, Trinchero Family Estates, Wine Business Institute

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