The Wine Group

The Wine Group's story is one of strategic growth and a deep-seated passion for wine. Its origins trace back to the 1970s, a period when major U.S. consumer product companies were venturing into the wine industry. It was within Coca-Cola Bottling of New York that the seeds of what would become The Wine Group were sown, with the acquisition of the Franzia, Mogen David, and Tribuno brands. A pivotal moment in this early chapter was the introduction of the revolutionary Franzia Wine Tap® packaging, a 'fresh to the last glass' innovation that would redefine the table wine category. The 1980s marked a significant turning point. Through a leveraged buy-out in 1981, The Wine Group emerged as a privately held company, fully owned by its executives by 1984. This newfound independence fueled a period of expansion, with the acquisition of the Corbett Canyon brand and the launch of MD 20/20 wine coolers. By the end of this decade, The Wine Group had already established itself as the fourth largest wine company in California.

The 1990s witnessed exponential growth, largely driven by the phenomenal success of the Franzia brand, which became the number one wine brand in the United States in 1994. This success propelled The Wine Group to become the third-largest wine company in the U.S. by 1993. The new millennium ushered in an era of premiumization and portfolio diversification. The company launched a series of successful new brands, including Cupcake, Chloe, flipflop, and Love Noir, while also welcoming established names like Glen Ellen Winery and Almaden Vineyards into its fold. This strategic focus on innovation and consumer-driven brands has continued to be a hallmark of The Wine Group's approach. Today, under the leadership of CEO John Sutton, the company continues to thrive as a global wine producer. With a steadfast dedication to the consumer, The Wine Group proudly boasts a diverse portfolio of over 60 award-winning brands, including recent additions like Cupcake LightHearted, Beringer Main & Vine, and Cooper & Thief. For over forty years, this privately held, management-owned company has been driven by a passion for crafting exceptional wines and a commitment to its people, communities, and the environment.