SONOMA -- Lion Nathan USA acquired Sonoma-based MacRostie Winery and Vineyards on Feb. 7, giving the Larkspur-based importer its first California-based wine brand.
Established in 1987, MacRostie Winery and Vineyards has earned acclaim for its portfolio of elegant cool-climate wines. The MacRostie portfolio focuses on Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and includes vineyard-designate wines from the highly regarded Wildcat Mountain Vineyard. Founder Steve MacRostie and longtime Winemaker Kevin Holt will both be staying on at MacRostie, and will continue to actively contribute to the winemaking program and the future direction of the brand.
After nearly 25 years of building his highly regarded wine brand, MacRostie has been planning for the succession of his business in recent years. In evaluating potential buyers, Steve was committed to finding a partner with a similar visions and values, including a shared commitment to maintaining the highest levels of wine quality. His search ultimately led him to Lion Nathan USA, which represents a global portfolio of fine wines that includes Argyle from the Willamette Valley, Wither Hills from New Zealand and St Hallett from Australia’s Barossa Valley.
"In both winemaking and business, there is a right time for everything," said MacRostie, who will be turning 65 this year. "When you spend years building something you love, there is comfort in knowing that it will continue on in good hands. I’m excited about this transition, both because I will remain very involved in every aspect of the business, and because I know that the people of Lion Nathan share my passion for MacRostie, and are dedicated to preserving what the brand has come to represent."
MacRostie Winery and Vineyards has earned extensive critical acclaim since being founded almost a quarter century ago. Some of the winery’s most noteworthy praise has come in recent years with MacRostie’s focus on Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the addition of vineyard-designate wines from Wildcat Mountain Vineyard to its portfolio. The ongoing strength of the company, and the sought-after nature of its flagship wine, was affirmed as recently as 2009, when MacRostie was recognized in Wine & Spirits magazine’s 20th Annual Restaurant Poll, as one of America’s "Most Popular Chardonnays."
For Lion Nathan USA, the acquisition of MacRostie is a natural and complementary addition to its respected global portfolio of brands. “Like Steve MacRostie, we spent a long time looking for the right fit in our search for a premier California winery,” said Lion Nathan USA General Manager Steve Myers. “MacRostie represents all of the things that define a great brand-it has established a reputation for excellence over decades, it is focused in its commitment to great winemaking, it is consistent in its style, and it works with some of the finest cool-climate vineyards in Carneros and on the Sonoma Coast. We look forward to a long, rich partnership with Steve, and to continuing the great tradition and pedigree he has established at MacRostie.”
MacRostie Winery and Vineyards is Lion Nathan USA’s first California-based wine brand.
Formed in 2008, Lion Nathan USA represents a unique collection of traditional and contemporary wine brands from some of the world’s most coveted wine regions. The domestic portfolio includes the highly acclaimed Argyle winery in Willamette Valley, Oregon and imported wines include St Hallett from the Barossa Valley in Australia, Wither Hills from Marlborough in New Zealand, Argento from Mendoza, Argentina and Inkberry from Central Ranges, Australia among others. For more information, please visit www.lionnathanusa.com.
Founded by Steve MacRostie in 1987, MacRostie Winery and Vineyards uses only the finest fruit from top sustainably farmed vineyards in the Sonoma Coast and Carneros appellations. Featuring wines from the highly acclaimed Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, the MacRostie artisan portfolio focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For more information, please visit www.macrostiewinery.com.
