Meiomi, Pinot Noir, California
Meiomi Pinot Noir
(Image credit: Meiomi)

Mondavi wines owner Constellation Brands has bought Meiomi, a California Pinot Noir that didn't exist at the turn of the 21st Century, for a reported $315m.

Constellation said today (4 August) that it has completed its purchase of Meiomi, including brand rights and wine stocks. The US wine giant reportedly paid $315m.

Meiomi (may-oh-mee) was only founded in 2006, but has risen to prominence partly thanks to a surge in popularity for Pinot Noir in the US – as well as the know-how of fifth generation winemaker and founder Joe Wagner.

It is one of the fastest growing Pinot Noir brands in the US and sales have risen by 50% in the past year, according to retail sales analysis group IRI, said Constellation. A single bottle costs around $22 on average.

Constellation said Wagner will stay on as a consultant winemaker for the next two vintages.

‘I look forward to working with the Constellation team to continue to deliver the top-quality wines that Meiomi is known for,’ said Wagner.

Grapes for Meiomi are drawn from vineyards in Sonoma County, Monterey and Santa Barbara along California’s coastline.

Chris Mercer
Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.