Ed Sbragia, Legendary Napa Valley and Sonoma Winemaster, to Oversee Madrigal Winemaking
SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2013: Bacchus Capital Management, LLC, a San Francisco-based private equity firm providing strategic capital in the wine industry, announced a significant infusion of equity growth capital to Madrigal Family Winery, a winery founded and run by a 3rd generation Napa Valley family renowned for its vineyards and agricultural legacy. Concurrent with the Bacchus investment, award-winning winemaker Ed Sbragia will become Madrigal’s consulting winemaster, and industry veteran Steve Cousins will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer.
“The growth capital from Bacchus provides Madrigal with the resources we need to effectively build our brand and grow our business,” commented Chris Madrigal, President. “When my Grandfather came from Mexico to the Napa Valley in the 1930’s, he instilled a dream in his children that one day, in this beautiful place, we would have a business of our own while still working with the amazing fruit that grows here. My father, Jess, created a vineyard management company as well as this winery. Now, we’re at a point where we need external resources and proven expertise. A partnership with Bacchus will enable us to realize my Grandfather’s vision.”
“Our partnership private equity model is unique today,” commented Peter Kaufman, Bacchus Co-founder and Managing Partner. “We are investing in businesses we believe in for the future. In addition, we’re leveraging the talent we have in-house – Ed Sbragia and Steve Cousins, both of Sbragia Family Vineyards – to support the quality and growth of Madrigal Family Winery long-term. Additionally, we are delighted to be partnered with Chris Madrigal.”
“Bacchus is focused on supporting family-owned wineries and enabling them to fulfill their potential,” stated Sam Bronfman, Bacchus Co-founder and Managing Partner. “Additionally, we have great grapes and an incredible facility right in the heart of this magical location. When you add our combined passion and expertise, we expect the future to be very bright.”
“I have been making wine in the Napa Valley for 32 years,” commented Ed Sbragia, who, as part of the Bacchus team, will oversee Madrigal winemaking. “I look forward to working with Chris and to taking full advantage of the excellent grapes from these Napa vineyards. I’m sure we will make wonderful wines.”
“We needed a partner that had a depth of experience and knowledge as well as who understood our tradition and spirit,” commented Chris Madrigal, President of Madrigal Family Winery. “We are fortunate to have found each other and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Bacchus portfolio companies include: Sbragia Family Vineyards, the Dry Creek Valley winery founded by world-class winemaker Ed Sbragia; Andretti Winery, a well-known Napa winery founded by Mario Andretti; Maritime Wine Trading Collective, a leading boutique wine import, production, and distribution company; Qupé, a leading Central Coast winery; Wine by Joe, one of the largest wine producers in Oregon. The Company previously had a successful financing with Cameron Hughes Wine, one of America’s fastest growing wine businesses.
About Madrigal Family Winery
Located on Highway 29, halfway between Calistoga and St. Helena in the renowned Napa Valley, the Madrigal Family Winery continues the family tradition of viticultural leadership and wine production. Since the 1930s, the family has been building its reputation and earning recognition for their vineyard management program as well as their wines. Situated on 40 acres of estate vineyards, the state of the art Madrigal winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and small lots of single vineyard and estate wines. Today, the Madrigal Family Winery is run by Chris Madrigal, the family’s 3rd generation.
For more information, visit www.madrigalvineyards.com
About Bacchus Capital Management
Bacchus Capital Management is an investment firm providing strategic capital and making equity investments in United States wineries and wine businesses.
For more information, visit bacchuswinefund.com.
Press Contacts:
Hilary Peck of Bacchus Capital Management- (212) 486-3600, ext. 125, hpeck@bacchuswinefund.com
