Ste Michelle Wine Estates has shared its plans to transition the production of US brand Northstar to the Columbia Crest winery in the coming days.
Northstar’s production will move from Walla Walla in Washington, to a “dedicated reserve cellar” at Columbia Crest in Paterson, also in the state. Ste Michelle told Global Drinks Intel that the brand “remains a very important part of our leading Pacific Northwest portfolio”.
The Walla Walla winery and tasting room will then be closed on 30 June, 25 years after opening. Northstar’s ‘Tasting Salon’ – which was opened at Chateau Ste Michelle’s winery in Woodinville in December – will remain open.
The Northstar brand is produced using grapes from across Washington’s Columbia Valley, with per-bottle prices ranging from around US$50 to $120.
“We are grateful to the team members who have contributed to Northstar’s success over the years, including winemaker David ‘Merf’ Merfeld for his decades of leadership and dedication,” the brand owner said. “We remain focused on strengthening the long-term sustainability of Ste Michelle Wine Estates and look forward to continuing to share Northstar wines with our customers.”
In May, the group named its second CEO since being taken over by The Wyckoff Family in December, as David Richardson succeeded David Bowman.
