Sean P. Sullivan - Washington Wine Report Note: Site has moved to www.northwestwinereport.com

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates announced today the acquisition of Woodinville’s O Wines. This adds another winery to the company’s ‘string of pearls’ that includes Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Northstar, Spring Valley, and a number of other Washington, Oregon, and California brands.

O Wines was founded in 2006 by Stacy Lill and Cathy Johanson. The winery’s goal has been to fund college scholarships for low income, high potential youth. To date, O Wines has funded over 40 scholarships, and Ste. Michelle will continue the donate a portion of the proceeds from wine sales for this purpose.

O Wines has focused on Chardonnay priced at the value level ($14). Ste. Michelle is expected to eventually add a red wine.