Constellation Brands — the company behind America’s best-selling beer Modelo and major wine labels like Robert Mondavi and Kim Crawford — is adding another winery to its portfolio. The beverage giant announced on Wednesday that it acquired Sea Smoke, an esteemed producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California’s Santa Barbara region.
The purchase price for the deal was not disclosed, but the acquisition includes Sea Smoke’s brand, inventory, winery, and 1,100 acres of land — 256 of which are under vine. Founded by Bob Davids in 1998, Sea Smoke was a pioneer in proving the impeccable quality of wines from the Santa Barbara region, particularly cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay expressions from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Sea Smoke has since evolved into a large, biodynamically farmed estate.
