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20 W i n e s & V i n e s M A R C H 2 0 1 4 K elowna, B.C.—Consolidation is gaining momentum in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, where Von Mandl Family Estates has acquired CedarCreek Estate Winery from the Fitzpatrick family. The deal was signed in early February during a small family gathering to honor the tradition of the family ownership. Terms have not been disclosed, although winemaker Darryl Brooker and winery management seem set to remain in place, in keeping with VMFE's commitment to "separate staffing, manage- ment...hallmark and identity" at its properties. CedarCreek founder, Canadian Sen. Ross Fitzpatrick, remarked in a statement announcing the deal that he looks forward "to enjoying many more glasses from our Home Block" following the transaction's close. The purchase doesn't include the Greata Ranch property in Peachland, B.C., which the Fitzpatrick family will continue to operate. CedarCreek was originally established in 1980 as Uniacke Wines. The Fitzpatrick family acquired the winery in 1986. The deal for CedarCreek follows Groupe Taillan's acquisition of full ownership in the Osoyoos Larose joint venture from Constel- lation Brands Canada at the end of October. Other transactions in 2013 saw a Calgary buyer acquire the former Hollywood and Wine winery in Summerland, B.C. (now Saxon Winery Ltd.), while an offshore group is reputed to have purchased the fruit winery Fort Wine Co. in Langley, B.C. Current listings seek buyers for Sonoran Estate Winery in Summerland, Tangled Vines Winery in Okanagan Falls, B.C., Herder Winery & Vineyards in Keremeos, B.C., and 40 Knots Estate Winery on Vancouver Island. All told, nearly 10% of the 229 grape wineries in B.C. could be in play right now. Many observers believe British Columbia is ripe for consolida- tion as the generation of owners that spearheaded the develop- ment of the modern B.C. wine industry following signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1988 hand the reins to a new generation. At the same time, many wineries that started in the past 10 years—there are more than twice as many today as in 2004—need access to capital to continue growing. —Peter Mitham B.C. Winery Sales Gather Momentum CedarCreek Estate Winery joins Von Mandl Family Estates The Fitzpatrick family sold its CedarCreek Estate Winery. M A R C H N E W S