Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Ltd., the distribution and marketing agency that owns EastDell Estates, Lakeview Cellars and Birchwood Estates wineries and Dan Aykroyd Wines in Canada, has acquired the 20 Bees Winery.
The announcement was made by Murray Marshall, President & CEO of Diamond Estates.
The 20 Bees winery is a 43,000-square-foot facility located on approximately 29 acres of land in the town Niagara-on-the-Lake. This area is often referred to as the “Golden Mile,” and figures to be a very attractive retail and agri-tourism location.
The winery produces a number of Vintners Quality Assurance (VQA) varietal wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet-Merlot, Baco Noir, Pinot Grigio and Vidal Icewine.
“The acquisition of the 20 Bees Winery is a perfect fit in our growth strategy, as the winery’s production facility meets our company’s long-term winemaking needs,” said Marshall.
Diamond Estates currently produces over 100,000 cases of VAQ wine annually, and plans to retain the 20 Bees brand as well as add some additional brands. With this acquisition, the company intends on ramping up production to meet its corporate grape processing requirements, which in 2008 will exceed 2000 metric tons, making it one of the top five purchasers of Ontario VQA grapes.
