Bill Foley buys Chalk Hill Winery

WINE TALK
1

Just spotted this article - Bill Foley has purchased Chalk Hill Winery in Sonoma:
Foley acquiring Chalk Hill Winery

Foley already owns Foley, Lincourt, and Firestone in Santa Barbara County, Sebastiani in Sonoma, Merus and Kuleto Estate in Napa, and Three Rivers in Walla Walla, plus Las Hermanas Vineyard (formerly known as Ashley’s) in the Sta. Rita Hills.

Wonder what his next winery purchase will be?

2

Wow- he’s really in major acquisition mode… that one is a splash.

Unrelated, a distributor rep I know told me that Russian Hill in RRV is going to be sold to Castle Brands- a spirit company venturing into fine wine. Castle’s first acquisition was Betts & Scholl.

3

Considering this is an era where cash is king and many are struggling, this looks to be a trend which will continue.
Perhaps the question should not be “which is next” but rather “how many are next?”

4

News Flash: Foley is buying the Big Xll Conference and keeping Missouri in the loop next.

5

Geeze, I wish he’d come make me an offer.

6

Bill said years ago that he was going to build a book of wines that rivalled the best in the business. A week ago I started representing Bill and his brands so I hope he buys up some sick properties in the next few years, and am sure he will, he is one motivated individual.

7

Post the winery in CC - maybe he reads it [wink.gif]

8

Kris,

I am sure he is not done with his acquisitions - I think he fancies his chances at building a true empire, and with the current economic situation, and his apparently deep pockets, he’s in a position to do so.

That said, there have been lots of personnel changes in his empire over the past year or so that make me curious about his ability to build the structure necessary to be as successful as he hopes to be.

I guess time will tell.

Cheers!