As part of a previously-announced review of its wine operations, Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines has sold its Barton & Guestier Bordeaux business to French wine concern Castel Freres SAS.
The sale includes brands, inventory and land, including Chateau Magnol. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Like many wine businesses, Diageo has been impacted by the global economic crisis. In May, the company announced that it was embarking on a full review of its U.S. wine business with the goal of focusing on core strategic brands such as Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vineyards, Chalone, Acacia, Rosenblum Cellars and Provenance.
In addition to its U.S. wine brands, DC&E will continue to import many fine wines to the U.S. from France and other countries, and remains committed to its existing portfolio of French wines from Burgundy and Alsace.
“DC&E remains committed to our French Agency business, and our dedicated Diageo distributor network across the country will continue to handle these wines as we have done with pride and success for many years,” said Sandra LeDrew, DC&E’s President, Sales & Marketing, in a press release.
