Hess Family Wine Estates Sells South African Winery Glen Carlou

Hess Family Wine Estates (HFWE) has agreed to sell the iconic South African winery Glen Carlou to the Pactolus Consortium.  As a result of the sale, finalised today no changes are expected at the winery, best known for exceptional Chardonnay from vineyards at the foothills of the renowned Simonsberg Mountain in the Paarl growing region in the Western Cape.

Timothy Persson, CEO of Hess Family Wine Estates, and fifth generation of Hess family to lead the wine group, said the transition to Pactolus will allow Glen Carlou to take advantage of the growing resurgence of interest in South African wines.  Sale of the winery continues a strategic effort by the Hess family to streamline and focus the business on areas in their portfolio that offer the greatest opportunity for growth in the U.S.  Donald Hess first joined famed South African winemaker Walter Finlayson in 1995 at Glen Carlou, and acquired the winery in total in 2003.

“The new owners bring with them a wealth of business acumen, but most important, it is their enthusiasm, support and energy which will see a re-invigoration for Glen Carlou.  I believe Glen Carlou will continue to strive in growing, producing and delivering better wines than ever before,” said Persson.  “The winery has thrived under the leadership of General Manager Johan Erasmus and his team, and will continue to serve as a prime example of the potential for great winemaking in South Africa.”

“For nearly a decade, Glen Carlou has grown to be one of the most successful businesses in the South African wine industry, resulting in a financially sound winery recognized for consistently producing some of the best premium and super premium wines in the Western Cape. The winery is poised to enter a new phase in its illustrious history, and we are excited to take the helm,” said Wayne Pitout incoming Chairman and partner in Pactolus.

Hess Family Wine Estates includes The Hess Collection on Mount Veeder in Napa, Artezin, focusing on zinfandel from California’s North Coast, Colomè and Amalaya from Salta, Argentina, and MacPhail Wines, known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley.