Experience
Anchor Distilling Company
Representation of founder of Anchor Distilling Company in connection with redemptions by Anchor following sale of Anchor Brewing and follow on representation in the establishment of San Francisco-based distilling venture with Berry Bros. & Rudd.
Diamond Creek Winery
Represented the family of the late Boots Brounstein on the sale of their Diamond Creek Winery in Calistoga, Calf. to French Champagne producer Maison Louis Roederer.
Valley of the Moon Winery
Represented the Bundschu Company in its acquisition of the 60 acre winery and vineyard property at the historic Rancho Agua Caliente in Glen Ellen, California in Sonoma Valley, the current home of the Valley of the Moon Winery.
First Republic Bank
We assist First Republic Bank with structuring, drafting and negotiating loan documents for its individual and business clients for business acquisition loans, real estate acquisition loans, short and long term real estate term loans, equity and accounts receivable secured personal and commercial lines of credit, real estate construction loans and loans for buy-outs and recapitalizations.
Silicon Valley Bank
We assist Silicon Valley Bank’s premium wine banking group with structuring, drafting and negotiating loan documents for its winery clients in connection with vineyard and winery acquisition and development loans, short and long term real estate term loans, inventory and accounts receivable secured working capital lines of credit, winery construction loans and loans for buy-outs and recapitalizations.
Tesseron Vineyards
Represented Tesseron Vineyards, a subsidiary of Chateau Pontet-Canet, in its acquisition of the Robin Williams vineyard estate.
Acquisition of Far Niente
Represented GI Partners on diligence matters relating to its acquisition of Far Niente winery.
Acquisition of WineBid, Inc.
Represented an investment group led by Third Leaf Partners in its acquisition of WineBid, Inc., the largest online auction for fine and rare wines.
Calera Wine Company
Represented Calera Wine Company in its sale to Duckhorn Wine Company.
Circle S Ranch Acquisition
Represented the Read family in its acquisition of Napa’s Circle S Ranch.
Duckhorn Wine Company
Represented Duckhorn Wine Company on diligence matters relating to its acquisition of Kosta Browne Winery.
Kenwood Winery Acquisition
Represented Pernod Ricard in its acquisition of the Kenwood Winery.
Michael David Winery
Represented Lodi-based Michael David Winery in its purchase of a historic Geyserville winery, tasting room and vineyards from Silver Oak Cellars.
Ovid Winery
Represented Napa cult winery Ovid in its sale to the owners of Napa Valley’s Silver Oak and Twomey wineries.
Sale of Central Coast California Blossom Hill Winery
Represented Treasury Wine Estates in its sale of Central Coast California Blossom Hill Winery to Delicato Family Vineyards.
Stony Hill Vineyard
Represented Stony Hill Vineyard in its sale to Long Meadow Ranch.
Talbott Vineyards
Represented Talbott Vineyards in its sale to E&J Gallo.
Treasury Wine Estates on Sale of St. Clement
Represented Treasury Wine Estates in its sale of the St. Clement winery to Huneeus Vintners.
Advise Terroir Capital on Sale of Qupé
Fetzer Vineyards on Its Acquisition of Excelsior Wine Company
Hop Kiln Winery Acquisition
Serves as outside general counsel for and represented Justin Vineyard & Winery, a subsidiary of The Wonderful Company, in the acquisition of Sonoma’s Hop Kiln Winery in Healdsburg, California. The Hop Kiln Winery is one of the most historically significant agricultural buildings in Sonoma County and had fallen into disrepair under previous ownership. Farella assisted with the acquisition of the property and now leads a team of consultants with expertise in historic rehabilitation. The team was successful in obtaining permission to perform a seismic upgrade and rehabilitation of the historic kiln structure and in obtaining a pending use permit that will allow the owners to move forward with a complete remodel of the interior of the hop kiln structure, as well as the construction of a new winery production facility on the site.
Sale of 7 Deadly Wine Brand
Sazerac Co. Inc. v. Fetzer Vineyards
Represented Fetzer Vineyards in a trademark infringement suit alleging it violated the Lanham Act and state statutes by featuring on the label for its 1000 Stories zinfandel a single buffalo icon and disclosing that the wine is aged in bourbon barrels. Following a week-long trial in the Northern District of California, the federal judge ruled in favor of Fetzer.
O'Neill Vintners & Distillers
Represented O'Neill Vintners & Distillers in its acquisition of Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles.