US-based Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has expanded its existing distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

As per the terms of the new agreement, Southern Glazer’s will be responsible for distributing Ste. Michelle Wine Estates products in the Pacific Northwest region including Alaska, Oregon, Utah, western Washington State and Wyoming.

Southern Glazer’s CEO Wayne Chaplin said: “Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is the dominant winery in Washington and a powerhouse in the Pacific Northwest.

“Aligning with us in these markets enables them to further leverage synergies in our businesses and accelerate growth of their premium wine brands.”

Under the new five-year agreement, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates intends to grow its portfolio in the Pacific Northwest, which is an important domestic wine region.

“Assigning Ste. Michelle’s Pacific Northwest business to the Southern Glazer’s team joins two premier organisations who have unmatched 50-year legacies in the wine industry.”

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates CEO Ted Baseler said: “For nearly 30 years, the Southern team has grown the Washington wine category across its 20 plus markets.

“Assigning Ste. Michelle’s Pacific Northwest business to the Southern Glazer’s team joins two premier organisations who have unmatched 50-year legacies in the wine industry.”

Based near Seattle, Washington, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ portfolio includes Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, 14 Hands, and Red Diamond.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Sales executive vice-president Dan Heller said: “We are looking forward to expanding our long-term partnership with Southern Glazer’s to include the Pacific Northwest.

“Southern Glazer’s has built an outstanding distribution platform in our home market. There is no doubt that they are best positioned to grow our share in the marketplace.”