One of the largest wine companies in the world, Delicato Family Wines, is growing and is taking over the well-known winery of namesake Francis Ford Coppola in Sonoma, as both companies announce. Nothing is known about the price. Until the transaction has been approved by the Federal Trade Commission, both partners refuse to provide any details.
The deal includes Coppola's two production facilities, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery and the Virginia Dare Winery, both based in Geyserville, Alexander Valley, and the Archimedes Vineyard there. As part of the agreement, Coppola will become a board member of Delicato and receive an interest in the company. Inglenook in Rutherford and the Domaine de Broglie Winery will remain owned by the Coppolas.
With the takeover, Delicato wants to position itself as the third largest exporter of Californian wines. In the price range above US$11, the company then ranks fifth. Francis Ford Coppola says, “over my lifetime, Coppola has become a household name across America. What started as a dream to buy a family cottage in Napa Valley turned into a million+ case business producing iconic award-winning wines. I am proud to announce that I have found the perfect fit to take our Family winery to even greater heights."
“There is a strong cultural fit between our two companies, and by combining two highly complementary portfolios, we create a more diversified winery. This places us in a strong position in key growth categories to capitalize on positive market trends, drive profitable growth and create opportunities for our employees,” comments CEO Chris Indelicato.
Coppola has become world famous as the director of box office hits like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. In the late 1970s, he entered the wine business with the purchase of the Gustave Niebaum Winery in Napa County, part of the historic Inglenook Estate. With the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, the director has not only created successful wine brands, but also established a popular tourist destination with a film museum.
Delicato Family Wines was founded in 1924 and is still run by the Indelicato family to this day. Brands like Gnarly Head and Bota Box belong to the company. The annual turnover is around €400 million. aw
