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SPI Group has revealed plans to diversify its wine portfolio through the acquisition of exclusive and premium wineries around the world.
The company, which owns the Stolichnaya premium vodka brand, is currently evaluating opportunities in California, Spain, Portugal and Chile and aims to complete potential acquisitions “in the next couple of years”.
This latest push is being spearheaded by SPI Group owner Yuri Shefler, who is said to have a “tremendous passion for super premium wines”, frequently travelling to key wine-making regions.
“We have seen terrific growth within our world-class wine holdings since entering the business in 2006,” said SPI Group 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 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Castelgiocondo and Luce della Vite estates, all part of the Marchesi de’Frescobaldi family holdings.
The company expanded its wine holdings in 2011 by acquiring a majority stake in Achaval Ferrer, located in Mendoza, Argentina. Its wines have consistently earned scores of 95-99 by Robert Parker and made Wine Spectator’s Top 10 list, SPI Group said.
