Santa Margherita Expands in Oregon with Marsh Estate Acquisition

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Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo has acquired Marsh Estate in Oregon to expand Roco Winery's production and hospitality potential.

Introduction

The wine industry is witnessing exciting developments, particularly with the recent acquisition by Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo. As of January 2025, the group has expanded its footprint in the U.S. wine market by purchasing Marsh Estate, located in Oregon’s prestigious Yamhill-Carlton region. This strategic move aims to enhance Roco Winery’s production capabilities while solidifying its presence within the thriving Willamette Valley.

Overview of the Acquisition

Marsh Estate spans over 21 hectares and includes vineyards, woodlands, and a residence set for renovation into a hospitality venue. Notably, while this estate does not currently produce wine, it offers a wealth of potential for growing grapes that can be used in Roco’s acclaimed wine portfolio. The acquisition aligns with Santa Margherita’s vision to boost quality and production capacity at Roco Winery, which currently produces around 180,000 bottles annually.

Strategic Importance

The acquisition is described as strategic due to the property’s location and certification. At 103 meters above sea level, Marsh Estate provides a panoramic view of the surrounding Dundee Hills and Savannah Ridge. Its Live certification highlights a commitment to sustainable viticulture practices in the Pacific Northwest. As Roco Winery continues to grow under the umbrella of Santa Margherita, this estate will play a critical role in expanding their offerings and enhancing brand prestige.

Insights from Leadership

Andrea Conzonato, CEO of Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo, expressed optimism about this investment’s potential impact on their business model. He emphasized that acquiring Marsh Estate reaffirms their confidence in both the Willamette Valley’s potential and Oregon’s broader winemaking landscape. Conzonato noted that this acquisition is not just about growth in volume but also focuses on elevating quality standards within their wine production.

Market Trends

With emerging trends showing increasing consumer interest in sparkling wines and Pinot Noir—two key categories for Roco Winery—this acquisition positions them favorably within the market. Conzonato believes that understanding consumer preferences is essential for future growth strategies and that the current signals from the market are very encouraging.

Background on Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo

Founded by Count Gaetano Marzotto in 1935, Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo represents one of Italy’s most significant family-owned wine enterprises. The group encompasses ten distinct estates across various renowned Italian wine regions including Veneto and Chianti Classico. Their extensive range includes popular brands like Torresella and Ca’ del Bosco, achieving impressive sales figures with over 28 million bottles distributed across more than 90 countries.

Recent Developments

In 2022, Santa Margherita added Roco Winery to its portfolio, enhancing its international reputation further. The recent purchase of Marsh Estate marks an important step towards amplifying their influence within the U.S., particularly amidst a burgeoning interest in high-quality American wines.

Conclusion

As we look ahead into 2025 and beyond, Santa Margherita’s strategic moves illustrate how established players can adapt and thrive amidst evolving consumer tastes and market dynamics. The acquisition of Marsh Estate not only signifies expansion but also embodies a commitment to sustainable practices that resonate well with modern consumers’ values. By leveraging this new asset effectively, Roco Winery stands poised to elevate its offerings significantly in both quality and prestige.

Photo by Kelsey Knight on Unsplash