Foley Family Wines Acquires Lancaster Estate

FFW Purchases Prestigious Alexander Valley Property

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Nov 14, 2012, 05:00 ET

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Foley Family Wines announced it has acquired a majority interest in the prestigious Lancaster Estate in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. The purchase includes the winery, vineyards, residences, the Lancaster and Roth labels and inventory. Details of the transaction were not released.

Founded in the 1990s, Lancaster Estate boasts nearly 50 acres of estate vineyards micro-farmed for maximum quality and accuracy. The winery and tasting room are situated in a gorgeous, ivy-covered building designed by architect Eugene Silva. A labyrinth of dark, cool caves carved into the adjacent hillside are used for winemaking and barrel storage. With its mild maritime climate, long growing season, complex soils and intense farming protocols, Lancaster Estate produces wines that are dense, luscious and distinctive.

The purchase also includes a 6,000 square foot proprietor's home and a smaller guest cottage. According to Bill Foley, "Lancaster Estate is an elite producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. An example is the 2008 Lancaster Estate Cabernet, which received a 94 score from both the Wine Advocate and the Wine Enthusiast. We believe the winery's quality reputation and positioning fits perfectly within the Foley Family Wines portfolio."

Founder Ted Simpkins, who will continue to be an owner and involved with the business said, "I am excited to be partnering with Bill Foley to further expand the Lancaster Estate and Roth brands. We strongly believe that the wines have great potential and the Foley Family Wines team will be excellent stewards of the brands."

International Wine Associates, Healdsburg, California served as the exclusive advisor to Lancaster in this transaction

About Foley Family Wines
Foley Family Wines was established by Bill Foley in 1996 with the acquisition Lincourt Vinyards in California's Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, Foley Family Wines has grown to become a major producer, marketer and distributor of highly-acclaimed, handmade wines from some of the world's greatest vineyards. Every brand in the company's portfolio is distinct and autonomous with its own identity, style, techniques and personnel. Foley Family Wines owns the following properties: Foley Estates (Santa Rita Hills, CA), Lincourt Vineyards (Solvang, CA), Merus (Napa Valley, CA), Foley Johnson (Napa Valley, CA), Kuleto (Napa Valley, CA), Altus (Napa, CA), Chalk Hill (Sonoma County, CA), Sebastiani (Sonoma County, CA), Lancaster Estate (Sonoma County, CA), Three Rivers Winery (Walla Walla, WA), Firestone Vineyard (Santa Ynez Valley, CA), Eos (Paso Robles, CA), Vavasour (Marlborough, New Zealand), Clifford Bay (Marlborough, New Zealand), and Te Kairanga (Martinborough, NZ). Bill Foley is Chairman of the Board of Directors for Fidelity National Inc and Executive Chairman of Fidelity National Information Services. Both are Fortune 500 companies.