Boisset & Gallo-Boisset Buy Flora Springs

The iconic St. Helena property changes hands, marking the first winery collaboration between the prominent wine figures

2025-01-02

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Jean-Charles Boisset and Gina Gallo-Boisset, prominent figures from two of the wine world's most esteemed families, have acquired Flora Springs Winery in Napa Valley. The historic property, situated in St. Helena, has been sold by the founding Komes and Garvey families. This marks the first winery collaboration between Boisset, president of the Boisset Collection, and Gallo-Boisset, a seasoned winemaker from the E. & J. Gallo dynasty. The transaction includes the winery, its inventory, and the iconic tasting room located along Highway 29. Financial terms of the sale have not been disclosed.

Flora Springs, a fixture in Napa Valley for over four decades, was established in 1978 by the Komes and Garvey families. They transformed a neglected stone winery and Victorian house, previously owned by Louis M. Martini, into a celebrated wine estate. The winery gained renown for its Cabernet Sauvignon and blends such as Trilogy and Soliloquy.

In 2020, the Komes and Garvey families sold the winery facility and its 280-acre estate, including 58 acres of vineyards, to Daniel and Florence Cathiard, owners of Bordeaux's Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte. They retained the Flora Springs tasting room and brand name, reducing production to 8,500 cases annually with a stronger emphasis on direct-to-consumer sales.

Nat Komes, a third-generation family member, is stepping down from his role as general manager to focus on Jon Nathaniel Cellars, a boutique winery in Rutherford owned by the Komes family. He expressed enthusiasm for the future of his family's winemaking endeavors in Napa Valley.

Enrico Bertoz will remain as Flora Springs' winemaker and collaborate with Gallo-Boisset. The Komes family has retained 30 acres of estate vineyards, with agreements in place for the new owners to continue sourcing fruit from these and other established growers. Boisset emphasized their intent to uphold and expand Flora Springs' legacy, incorporating new vineyards and ideas.

The acquisition adds to the extensive portfolio of the Boisset Collection, which owns wineries across France and California, as well as establishments such as Oakville Grocery and the Calistoga Depot. Jean-Charles and Gina also co-own the Ink House Inn in St. Helena.

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