Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/230154
fornia vintners are already doing in Shanghai, WI decided to exhibit at the November 2013 ProWine China show there. "This is an exploratory trip for many producers to test out the trade show model in mainland China," Gallagher said. "We feel like Shanghai is a better fit for our trade and media audiences." Regional organizations from Napa Valley, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County also exhibited. California accounts for 90% of U.S. wine exports to China, a mar- ket that reached $73.6 million in 2012. Gallagher pointed out that while business in China is up by 4% in value to date, she expected to see a marked increase from the gifting market by the end of 2013. Viansa and Qupé Sold "Viansa is a popular destination for wine country weddings and we've got a strong hospitality and events team," said Roney, who will focus on improving the visitor experience at the winery and wetlands preserve. He cited preservation efforts at Kunde Family Estate in Kenwood, of which Vineyard Wine Estates is a minority partner, as a model for improvements to the surroundSanta Rosa, Calif.-based Vintage Wine Estates, ing marshland. which operates within the Leslie Rudd Investment In other winery acquisition news, Qupé winery Co., has been on a strong run of acquisitions since its founder and winemaker Bob Lindquist sold a majority inception in 2007. In 2013, the company purchased stake in his winery to investment banker Charles Banks two properties within the space of three months: Clos for an undisclosed amount in October. Lindquist, who Pegase in Calistoga, which has shared winery space it acquired from founder and with Jim Clendenen of Au art collector Jan Schrem for Bon Climat since both winan undisclosed amount in eries were founded in 1982, August; and Viansa Winery will remain as a partner and & Marketplace in October, focus on making wine. "It acquired from Laurus Funds was time to consider a sucInc. Laurus had listed the cession plan," Lindquist told Sonoma property at $25 milVineyard & Winery Manlion, although terms of the agement. "My collaborasale were not made public. tion with Jim is unique and Growth in direct-to-consumI couldn't see our children er (DTC) wines sales hasn't working together in the escaped the notice of Vintage same way." Wine Estate founders Pat In 2009, Banks founded Roney and Leslie Rudd, who Terroir Capital, a winery, purchased Windsor Vineyards, restaurant and hotel investone of the country's largest ment group with a growing direct-to-consumer wineries, portfolio of domestic and in 2007. With the addition of international properties. In Viansa, the company now April, he and retail mogul has a second DTC brand, one Jay Schottenstein, chairknown for its emphasis on man of Amerian Eagle OutBob Lindquist will stay on at Qupé winery as a partner Italian varieties and a Tuscanfitters and Discount Shoe and winemaker. inspired tasting room overWarehouse, purchased looking the wetlands preserve Mayacamas Winery, a highthat marks the gateway to Sonoma and Napa valleys. profile acquisition that inspired Lindquist to seek him Roney's son, Sean, who trained as a lawyer and preout as a partner. viously worked in global outside sales for Vintage Wine Lindquist said the key to the partnership was findEstates, was appointed general manager of the Viansa ing the right guy at the right time. "Charles is a total property. Lloyd Davis, a former fund partner and presiwine geek. He was a fan of the winery long before he dent at Laurus, who was president of the winery for the purchased Mayacamas. He came for lunch the other past five years, is now acting as a consultant. After just day with bottles of '73,'74, '75, '77 and '78 Mayactwo weeks into his new role, Sean Roney indicated that amas chardonnay; wines he had originally purchased priorities at the winery include securing permits to build for his cellar." a permanent structure to replace a large white tent that Qupé produces 40,000 cases annually, of which was used for events six months out of the year. 24,000 are cool-climate syrah. 14 V I N E YA R D & WINE RY MANAGEM ENT | Jan - Feb 2014 w w w. v wm m e d i a . c o m