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Duckhorn Wine Co. acquires California’s Calera
US-based Duckhorn Wine Company (DWC) has confirmed its purchase of California’s Calera Wine Company, one of the region’s pioneering Pinot Noir producers.
Josh Jensen, founder of California’s Calera
Founded by Josh Jensen in 1975, Calera helped to establish Pinot Noir in California’s Central Coast as one of the great North American varieties, taking his inspiration from the great domaines of Burgundy.
“Like our own founders, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, Josh is a visionary and pioneer who has spent more than four decades shaping the modern American palate for luxury wines,” said Alex Ryan, president and CEO of DWC.
“What he has achieved at Calera has been nothing short of remarkable. Calera is one of the world’s great wineries, and we will ensure that Josh’s legacy of quality and excellence will continue to flourish for decades to come. For us, this is a fantastic opportunity to establish a presence on the Central Coast with one of the region’s most iconic wineries.”
Calera will continue to produce wines at its seven-level, gravity-flow winery in Hollister, California, with all key staff, including winemaker Mike Waller, set to remain. Jensen, who is 73, will continue to remain involved at Calera, and will join the Duckhorn Wine Company Board of Directors.
“Calera is my life’s work. In this era of industry consolidation, it was vital to me that I choose a partner that not only shares the values that have always defined Calera, but that also has the market presence to provide our wines a continued strong and secure route to market,” said Jensen.
“Duckhorn is one of the most respected luxury wine companies in the world, and for good reason. They have integrity, and they are absolutely focused on making great wines. I’m proud to be entrusting Calera to their expert hands.”
The sale includes the Calera winery, its brand, tasting room and all inventory and assets, as well as 85 hectares of vineyards in the Mt. Harlan AVA. With plantings dating back to 1975, these vineyards feature some of the oldest vines in the region, and are the source for Calera’s single-vineyard wines.
Duckhorn Wine Company was founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, with the launch of Duckhorn Vineyards, in 1976. Its portfolio of brands now includes Goldeneye, Paraduxx, Migration, Decoy and Canvasback.