Central Coast Insights: Buyers Few but Mighty in Mature Market
March 13, 2025
In winery mergers and acquisitions, industry experts agree, the buyer is in the driver’s seat right now.
“Buyers can be really picky right now, there’s a lot to choose from,” said broker and owner at Paso Robles-based Vineyard Professional Real Estate, Jenny Heinzen during the M&A panel at this year’s Central Coast Insights (CCI). In addition to a property being in a prime location, such as Paso Robles, Heinzen and experts discussed the key steps and considerations for a winery looking to sell. Knowing the target buyer is important, Heinzen said, but so is looking at the market and pricing a property accordingly.
After Challenging Harvest, Central Coast Prepares for 2025
March 5, 2025
Mother Nature did not look kindly on the Central Coast in 2024.
Growers in California Grape Districts 7 and 8 harvested 326,437 tons, which is 35% less than the previous year. All varieties suffered double digit declines compared to 2023, although popular reds suffered the most; in District 7, Merlot totaled 7,589 tons, down nearly 47%, and in District 8, Pinot Noir tonnage was down 49% to 14,077 tons. Harvested Cabernet Sauvignon fell by an average of 45% in both districts — the largest drop in Cabernet Sauvignon tons in any of the major growing regions.
M&A Market in Focus at Central Coast Insights
March 4, 2024
The biggest winery deal of last year was the $900 million acquisition by Treasury Wine Estates of Daou Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles, Calif. The purchase not only continued Treasury’s investment in the top end of the U.S. wine industry (it previously acquired Napa Valley’s Frank Family Vineyards in 2021) but should greatly expand on Daou’s success in wholesale and key export markets.
Speakers Highlight Industry Challenges, Celebrate Growth on the Central Coast
March 28, 2023
Wine Business Monthly’s Central Coast Insights highlighted the explosive growth of the industry on the central coast, and with the area growing to boast over 900 wineries as of August 2022 — more than both Oregon and Washington — there’s much to celebrate.
Yet, there’s also long term challenges ahead to keep in mind, including converting wine interest among younger consumers into engagement and involvement; addressing competition from spirits; embracing what consumers want, such as products that take health and wellness into account; and not losing in on on-premise sales, which are still tailing behind pre-COVID-19 levels.
Central Coast Insights: Lineup of Three-Tier Experts Set to Discuss Marketplace Challenges and Best Practices
March 8, 2023
Reps from Whole Foods, Winebow and Trellis Wine & Spirits to Share their Knowledge with Brands Looking to Compete in the Off-premise.
In one of the last sessions of Central Coast Insights 2023, four industry experts representing the three-tier system will discuss the realities and challenges of the current marketplace and offer up ideas for success and tips on how winery brands can engage.