Doobie Brothers’ manager sells Sonoma winery

Vintage Wine Estates has confirmed its purchase of Sonoma’s BR Cohn Winery from Bruce Cohn, the manager of American rock band The Doobie Brothers.

The Press Democrat quoted Cohn as having said debts of US$25m had forced its sale.

The former dairy was transformed by Bruce Cohn in 1974 and named the Olive Hill Estate Vineyard due to the property’s grove of 140-year old French Picholine olive trees.

In 1984, Cohn built the BR Cohn Winery on the estate, which produces wines largely from Cabernet Sauvignon but also Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah, as well as extra-virgin olive oils and vinegars.

Cohn, who has managed The Doobie Brothers since the 1970s, will no longer be involved in the running of the winery, however Tom Montgomery, BR Cohn’s current winemaker, will remain in a consulting role for the foreseeable future.

“We are thrilled to welcome BR Cohn Winery into our collection of classic wineries, vineyards and brands”, said Pat Roney, President of Vintage Wine Estates. “As a family-owned wine company, Vintage Wine Estates is particularly interested in preserving heritage wineries such as B.R. Cohn, and taking them into the future. We are looking forward to carrying on the legacy of BR Cohn which we consider one of the crown jewels of Sonoma Valley.

Marco DiGiulio, chief winemaker for Vintage Wine Estates, previously worked as consulting winemaker to BR Cohn from 2004 to 2010.

“Of all the properties I have been privileged to work with, I have a special fondness for BR Cohn”, said DiGiuilo. “I intend to continue to produce wines of the highest quality that reflect the Sonoma Valley style that people have come to know and love.”

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Vintage Wine Estates’ portfolio includes Clos Pegase, Cosentino Winery, Girard Winery, Viansa Winery, Windsor Vineyards, Cartlidge & Browne, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, Ray’s Station, Middle Sister, Wine Sisterhood, Pro-mis-Q-ous, Monogamy, Girl & Dragon, Purple Cowboy and a number of exclusive wine brands and now BR Cohn.