Constellation Brands acquires minority stake in Montanya Distillers

Constellation Brands has acquired a minority stake in Colorado-based craft rum maker Montanya Distillers.

Constellation Brands is a US-based firm that produces and markets beer, wine and spirits.

The company made the investment through Constellation Brands Ventures’ Focus on the Female Founders programme.

The Focus on Female Founders programme invests in female-founded and female-led businesses that focus on disruptive and innovative work across alcoholic beverages.

Karen Hoskin founded Montanya Distillers in 2008. She will continue as the president and CEO of the company.

The 11-year-old company will continue to manage, produce and market rums such as Montanya Platino, Montanya Oro, and Montanya Exclusiva.

Rums produced by Montanya are distributed in more than 40 states in the US and seven countries overseas. They can also be purchased online.

Constellation Brands and Montanya Distillers did not disclose the terms of the transaction.

Earlier this year, Constellation Brands announced the launch of ‘To Kalon Vineyard Company’ with winemaker Andy Erickson as its chief consultant.

Erickson will partner with Constellation Brands’ fine wine division to create terroir-driven wines from the company’s To Kalon Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Oakville AVA.

At the time of the announcement, Constellation Brands marketing vice-president John Seethoff said: “We are thrilled to honour our To Kalon Vineyard legacy with the launch of To Kalon Vineyard Company.

“Some of the greatest wines in the world are made from our To Kalon Vineyard, and Andy Erickson is one of the most intuitive and talented winemakers in the industry today.”

The company said that the inaugural wine from To Kalon Vineyard Company will be the 2016 vintage of Highest Beauty. The product will be released in September this year.

Erickson said: “What amazes me about this vineyard is that it produces wines with very soft tannins and yet incredible focus. There is great varietal definition that shines through with wines produced from To Kalon Vineyard.”