Washington’s Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE) continues to divest itself of wineries and brands. Wine Spectator has learned that Tuscany's Marchesi Antinori has purchased sole ownership of Col Solare, a premium Washington winery the two companies launched as a 50-50 partnership in 1995. The sale includes the brand, a winery and 29 acres of vines. The price was not disclosed. Annual production is roughly 5,000 cases.

“Our family has been fascinated by the unique terroir of Red Mountain AVA since the early ’90s. It's an ongoing and exciting challenge for us to make Washington red wines distinctive and renowned for their high quality,” said Piero Antinori, chairman of Marchese Antinori, in a statement. “The full ownership of Col Solare, combined with the acquisition of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in 2023 in Napa Valley, is proof of how much we believe in these exceptional wine territories.”