Bill Leigon, president of Jamieson Ranch Vineyards since February 2013, has announced his purchase of the Napa winery, finalized on September 18, 2015.
Purchase price was not disclosed. Bill Spear continues to manage all sales and marketing and was announced as the winery’s General Manager and co-partner.
"I am pleased that I can now complete my vision for Jamieson Ranch Vineyards. A vision that is nothing less than to make wines that compete in quality with any wines from the Napa Valley.” said Leigon, “A vision to make wines that compete in quality with any wines in the world!”
Leigon’s purchase includes all existing brands and inventory, while Ken Laird bought all the real estate and property, including the winery buildings and vineyards. Leigon will lease the winery facility back from Laird.
Leigon has been a Napa resident for 35 years and it has been his long-time dream to own and operate a winery in the Napa Valley.
The purchase price includes the winery property and the case inventory of Jamieson’s Napa Valley wines including Light Horse, JRV Double Lariat, JRV Stagecoach, JRV Silver Spur, Whiplash and Reata Pinot Noir. The winery sits on about 300 acres, with 75 acres in grapes which was not included in the sale.
"I truly believe my professional life of perseverance is paying off,” said Partner and General Manager Bill Spear. “I work with a passionate affinity for the wines I sell and proud to be a partner of Jamieson Ranch.”
Leigon has been involved in the California wine industry for over 40 years. He co-founded The Wine Trust and Ariel Vineyards (the first premium non-alcoholic wine), served as national sales manager at J. Lohr wines for 13 years, and worked as vice president of sales and marketing for Associated Vintage Group. Leigon spent 12 years as president of Hahn Estates in Monterey, where he created the popular Rex Goliath brand (named after a 47-pound rooster). He grew Rex Goliath to national prominence before selling it to Constellation Brands. Right after the sale Bill engineered the Cycles Gladiator wines before joining the management of what is now the Jamieson Ranch wines portfolio.
Beyond the world of wine, Leigon is a community activist, vocalist and artist. He was a founding director of the Napa Valley Repertory Theatre and has served as president of the Arts Council of Napa Valley.
In addition to the arts, Leigon founded the Light Horse Foundation at Jamieson Ranch. The foundation uses miniature horses to help and inspire autistic and at-risk children. Sales of Jamieson Ranch Light Horse Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay benefit the foundation.
About Jamieson Ranch
Jamieson Ranch is the southernmost winery in Napa Valley, it is surrounded by hundreds of acres of hills and vineyards and known for the view in addition to its reputation for producing several award-winning Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Chardonnays. The winery’s brands include Light Horse, Whiplash, Reata, Silver Spur, Double Lariat and Sweet Jane. The winery’s majestic western lodge décor offers spectacular views of the Napa Valley and San Pablo Bay.
source : winebusiness.com
