Chilean wine giant Concha y Toro has spread its wings beyond south America with the acquisition of Fetzer Vineyards from parent company Brown-Forman.

The US$238m purchase covers brands including Fetzer, Bonterra and Jekel, 429 hectares of vineyards, cellars with a total combined capacity of 42m litres, and bottling facilities.

A pioneer of sustainable practices, Fetzer’s Bonterra brand is a clear leader in the premium organic wine category, with sales of 300,000 cases a year.

Hailing the deal as the largest of its kind in Concha y Toro’s history, CEO Eduardo Guilisasti said it would open up opportunities both within the US and further afield.

The deal was concluded in mid April.

News item from Imbibe.com, 03-05-2011