25.03.2011 - Vinexpo news selection
WC, with a current capacity of up to 33,000 barrels annually, has been producing French and American Oak barrels for various Treasury Wine Estates brands, including Beringer. Under the new owners, the cooperage will become a Treasury Wine Estates supplier, and joint research projects will continue. Terms of the sale were not released. WC employees will move with the company to GC.
While GC has maintained sales and marketing offices in the United States, this is the first US cooperage, according to Fabrice Gautier, chief executive officer. "The exceptional opportunity presented by Winemakers Cooperage allows us to bring our vision of exceptional quality, sustainability and service to the United States, building on the Charlois family history of enhancing the work of winemakers," he added.
Treasury Wine Estates will retain ownership of its existing supply of French oak staves. The purchase includes real property and leases for a 36,000 sq. ft. production facility and related equipment, a 12,000 sq. ft warehouse and 5,000 sq. ft. of office space, all located in Cloverdale, as well as some oak inventory in California, Missouri and France. There are 11 WC employees who will join Groupe Charlois. (Vinexpo / 9 March 2011)