Drinks giant Diageo has bought Rosenblum Cellars for US$105 million.

Rosenblum is best known for Zinfandel, and its purchase would ‘enhance Diageo’s presence in the premium Zinfandel segment, one of the fastest growing varietals in the US,’ Ivan Menezes, Diageo North America president said.

‘They are interested in maintaining the culture of the company, the growers and me,’ founder Kent Rosenblum told decanter.com.

‘They do not have a Zinfandel in their portfolio, neither do they have a Rhone.’

Rosenblum also said it was the right time to sell. ‘We’ve had profitability and our financial advisors said it would be the right thing to do now. I am going to spend more time in the cellar and vineyards and less time doing administration, which will allow me to focus on what I love to do.’

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to complete at the end of February 2008.

Written by Panos Kakaviatos

Panos Kakaviatos
Panos Kakaviatos
Decanter Magazine, Wine Writer and DWWA Judge 2019
Panos Kakaviatos has been a published wine writer since 2001, writing in internationally recognized media including Decanter, but also Harpers Wine & Spirit, Meiningers Wine Business International and The World of Fine Wine.