SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 12, 2017 (PRNewswire) — Vintage Wine Estates on Tuesday announced an agreement to acquire three wine brands from Jayson Woodbridge: Layer Cake, Cherry Pie and If You See Kay. The deal is scheduled to close on January 2, 2018.
"These brands are an extraordinary addition to the Wine Estates portfolio," commented Pat Roney, President and CEO of Vintage Wine Estates. "They have struck a powerful chord with consumers who are drawn to the whimsical and provocative branding and stay for the remarkable quality."
Noted winemaker Jayson Woodbridge's concept for Layer Cake was to craft exquisite wines that are very approachable for everyday enjoyment. Since its inception in 2004, Layer Cake's mission was to shock people about how good wine could be at the $15 price point. The range includes nine different varietals from key regions around the globe, all in the $10-$15 price point: a Malbec from Argentina; an Italian Primitivo; an Australian Shiraz and Chardonnay; and a Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Cabernet Sauvignon from California. The brand has received positive reception from consumers and been recognized by the critics with 90-point scores and gold medals.
Created in 2008, Cherry Pie is a critically acclaimed Pinot Noir-centric brand, featuring single and multi-vineyard wines from top California Pinot Noir locations. The brand has garnered numerous awards and accolades.
Layer Cake, Cherry Pie and If You See Kay represent a portfolio of 450,000+ cases.
Jayson Woodbridge will remain in a consultant role for both winemaking and public relations for both Layer Cake and Cherry Pie.
Woodbridge commented: "As the founder and Winemaker, I am pleased and certain that my voice and vision will remain, well stewarded by VWE's solid and committed winemaking team. It is gratifying to know that the wines will continue to express our unique quality and style going forward."
Long-standing Vintage Wine Estates partner Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits will handle sales and marketing for Layer Cake. Vintage Wine Estates' internal fine wine sales and marketing team will handle Cherry Pie and If You See Kay.
"We are very excited to soon be leading the sales and marketing of Layer Cake," said Peter Deutsch, CEO of Deutsch Family. "It is a great brand with excellent quality wines that compete in a price tier where we and our distributors know well how to win. In partnership with Pat Roney and his team, we will drive existing and new items as part of our mission to grow the brand."
Deutsch Family has had a long relationship with Vintage Wine Estates. In 2011 Deutsch Family assumed the sales and marketing duties for their Napa Valley luxury brand Girard.
Demeter Group, the San Francisco-based investment bank for premium Wine & Spirits companies, acted as exclusive financial advisor to One True Vine on its sale to Vintage Wine Estates.
About Vintage Wine Estates
Vintage Wine Estates is a privately held wine company owned by a group of vintner families with deep roots in the wine business. The families own a collection of winery estates and brands including Clos Pegase Winery, Cosentino Winery, Girard Winery, B.R. Cohn Winery, Swanson Vineyards, Viansa Sonoma, Windsor Vineyards, Cameron Hughes, Firesteed, Cartlidge & Browne, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, Middle Sister, Tall Dark Stranger, Pro-mis-Q-ous, Monogamy, Girl & Dragon, Purple Cowboy and a number of exclusive wine brands. Vintage Wine Estates is a majority partner in Splinter Group Spirits, producing craft Kentucky Bourbon whiskey (Straight Edge), American whiskey (Slaughter House) and Partner Vermouth and markets Clayhouse and Buried Cane wines. An industry leader across all sales channels and dedicated to providing wine consumers with a range of wines from $10 to $100+ dollars, Vintage Wine Estates produces outstanding wines from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and other premium California winegrowing regions and respects the way people buy their wine across all sales channels: at wineries, retail, telephone, television and Internet.