The company, which owns Stolichnaya vodka, says it is planning to further diversify its spirit portfolio through the acquisition of exclusive and premium wineries.
SPI owner Yuri Shefler, who is said to have a “tremendous passion for super-premium wines” and frequently travels to key winemaking regions, is spearheading this initiative personally.
The company, which is currently evaluating opportunities in California, Spain, Portugal and Chile, says it plans to complete potential acquisitions in the next couple of years.
“We have seen terrific growth within our world-class wine holdings since entering the business in 2006,” said SPI CEO Val Mendelev. “We are carefully evaluating multiple opportunities which will allow SPI to enrich its portfolio of jewel wines and develop this part of our company.”
In 2006, SPI Group acquired a stake in the prestigious Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Castelgiocondo and Luce della Vite estates, all part of the Marchesi de'Frescobaldi family holdings. These three vineyards continue to produce some of the world’s most sought after wines.
SPI expanded their wine holdings in 2011 by acquiring a majority stake in boutique producer Achaval Ferrer, located in Mendoza, Argentina.
