Cristie Kerr heads to Scotland on Friday for the AIG Women’s British Open at Royal Troon. Before the two-time major champ could take on the historic track, however, there was business to take care of back home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Constellation Brands, Inc., announced on Thursday that it has acquired a minority stake in Kerr Cellars’ super-luxury portfolio of Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines. Constellation’s brands include Corona Extra, Corona Light, Corona Premier, Modelo Especial, Robert Mondavi Brand Family, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey.
Kerr Cellars will remain independently owned and continue to manage, produce, market and sell its award-winning wines. The 42-year-old Kerr, a 20-time winner on the LPGA, launched Kerr Cellars in 2013 in partnership with Helen Keplinger.
“We believe Kerr Cellars has significant runway for success,” said Jennifer Evans, vice president, Constellation Ventures, “and look forward to working closely with their team to strategically expand their resources and strengthen their position within fine wine.”
The investment was made through Constellation Brands’ Focus on Female Founders program, which backs female-founded and female-led businesses.
“It gives us access to a lot of fruit sourcing,” said Kerr of the new partnership, “allows us to have more of a position of strength in the marketplace … it gives us some capital to be able to grow the business.”
Kerr’s wines have received high marks from industry-leaders including 96-100 points from Robert Parker, Wine Advocate and reliably earn 90+ points from Wine Spectator, Antonio Galloni, and James Suckling.
“It’s like saying we’re in the top 3 on the money list year in and year out,” said Kerr when asked to explain the super-luxury portfolio. “It’s the highest-end of the highest end of the wine market.”
That being said, Kerr would like to explore the idea of creating an additional brand that would allow more people to experience high-quality wine at a lower price point.
During the LPGA’s lengthy break from competition, Kerr noted that her team had to find new ways to generate revenue with virtual tastings and virtual dinners.
“It kind of forced us to rethink how the business would operate,” said Kerr. “We’re nimble and we’re small, and we had a great first quarter because we were able to adjust.”
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