Kosta Browne winery sold to Duckhorn Vineyards

California’s Kosta Browne winery, known for its production of cool climate Sonoma County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, has been sold to the Duckhorn Wine Company.

Keefer Ranch Vineyard

Kosta Browne, based in Sebastopol, had been controlled by equity group J.W. Childs Associates of Boston, which confirmed on Tuesday the sale of its stake to Duckhorn Wine Company, which is owned by TSG Consumer Partners of San Francisco, for an undisclosed sum.

The investment group bought the Duckhorn Wine Company in 2016, along with its five other wineries, which comprise the Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration, Decoy, Canvasback and Calera brands.

Kosta Browne was founded by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne in 1997, who stepped down from the winery last year, with Chris Costello joining the partnership in 2001. It has become known for its production of cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from vineyards across the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Lucia Highlands, with its wines regularly receiving top bids at the annual Sonoma County Barrel Auction.

“What Michael, Dan and Chris created at Kosta Browne is nothing short of remarkable,” said Alex Ryan, president and CEO of Duckhorn Wine Company. “It has been exciting to see the founders rewarded for their years of hard work and tireless pursuit of excellence. Their vision and values will inspire everything we do.”

The sale includes the company, the winery, all assets and inventory, as well as 170 acres of vineyards through ownership or long-term leases that include Cerise Vineyard in the Anderson Valley, and sections of the Keefer Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley and Gap’s Crown Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast.

The purchase of Kosta Browne will not include CIRQ, which was founded, and continues to be owned, by Michael Browne.

The Kosta Browne team will remain at the winery, with Scott Becker as CEO and Nico Cueva as winemaker.

“This is a huge win for both Duckhorn Wine Company and Kosta Browne,” added Ryan. “Fine wine lovers have an insatiable demand for luxury Pinot Noir, and Kosta Browne’s wines are among America’s most coveted.”

In 2012, Kosta Browne built a state-of-the-art custom winemaking facility in Sebastopol, California. This summer, it will open The Gallery, a hospitality space overlooking the winery that will offer guests a “rich and immersive tasting experience”.

The sale is expected to close next month.

Kosta Browne’s new hospitality building in Sebastopol