Close Menu
News

EPI takes majority stake in Mondavi’s Folio Fine Wine Partners

French luxury goods giant EPI, owner of the Charles Heidseick and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne brands, has taken a controlling stake in Michael Mondavi’s Folio Fine Wine Partners.

Michael Mondavi has sold Folio Fine Wine Partners to EPI

The family-owned firm’s wine and Champagne division bought Mondavi’s Napa-based wine distribution company for an undisclosed sum.

As part of the deal, Michael Mondavi will continue as chairman of the newly formed Folio Fine Wine Partners board, and Damien Lafaurie, president of EPI’s wine and Champagne division, will join Folio’s board of directors.

Paolo Battegazzore will continue as CEO of Folio with his existing team.

“Our family is delighted to be partnering with business visionary Christopher Descours, with whom we have built a wonderful relationship with over the last five years.

“The EPI values, vision and commitment to brand building align perfectly with Folio, and this partnership is testament to the quality of company that our team has created.

“This partnership will enable us to continue our growth trajectory and continue to bring fine wines from some of the best winemaking families to our distributors, customers and wine lovers across the US,” Mondavi said.

Lafaurie added: “We are delighted to join Folio as a shareholder and to help it develop further. We will support Folio’s talented team in further establishing Folio’s leadership in being one of the best purveyors of fine wines in the US, and EPI’s position in the US, which is a strategic market for the group”.

Folio has helped to build the Charles Heidsieck Champagne brand in America over the last five years. The company was founded by Michael Mondavi in 2004 as an importer and fine wine agency of quality wines from around world.

Folio provides sales and marketing services to wine brands from California, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Portugal, Austria, and South Africa.

EPI is a private investment company chaired by Christopher Descours. In addition to owning the Charles Heidseick and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne brands, and Italian estate Biondi-Santi, the company has fashion and property divisions.

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No