Brown-Forman completes sale of former Jekel Winery

02/02/06 Brown-Forman has completed the sale of the former Jekel Winery to S.A.M. Properties, based in Salinas. The purchase price was not disclosed, but includes the winery, equipment and vineyards surrounding the facility. S.A.M. Properties was represented by Manuel Amaral in the transaction.

The winery was closed in 2004 and production of Jekel wines was moved to other Brown-Forman wineries.

Jekel Vineyards, which dates to 1968 in Monterey County, offers Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Monterey and the Central Coast. A new package designed by noted artist Michael Schwab honors Jekel's Monterey heritage by depicting a weathered barn cupola and weathervane, commonly seen on agricultural buildings throughout the region.

S.A.M. Properties acquires the vineyard property, which consists of 135 acres with 122 planted predominantly to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Brown-Forman will purchase grapes from the vineyard through the 2007 harvest, and retain rights to the Gravelstone vineyard name.

Jekel Vineyards will continue to focus on wines from Monterey, including popular selections from the well-known Sanctuary vineyard in the Arroyo Seco district. An off-dry Gewurztraminer is the newest wine offered by Jekel, and is now being introduced in the marketplace.