A group of investors has acquired US-based Llano Estacado Winery in Lubbock, Texas, setting the stage for expansion of tasting room locations and development of a new winery.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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The group includes local attorneys Kevin Glasheen and Noe Valles, alongside Bret Perrenoud, who will be Llano Estacado’s new owner and general manager, a statement from the group said.
Additional investors include Ron Ross, Bryan Miller, and Aaron Handler.
Handler will oversee the company’s operations in his role as CEO.
Meanwhile, Perrenoud, a wine industry professional with 17 years’ experience as general manager at Becker Vineyards in Texas Hill County and owner of Airis’Ele Winery in Fredericksburg, will guide Llano’s expansion efforts.
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By GlobalDataIn its statement, Llano said: “The investment team brings the capital and vision needed to sheppard the company through its next phase of growth, and build on this storied brand.”
As part of the expansion plans, Llano is set to debut a winery and tasting room in Fredericksburg in 2026, to offer a “premier winery experience” in the Hill Country.
The group will also open a new tasting room in Lubbock’s Cactus Alley Shopping Center, scheduled to open in April, and a tasting room on Main Street in Fredericksburg.
Expanded hospitality facilities at the Lubbock winery are planned for event hosting and tours, alongside expanded distribution of fine wine through existing channels.
Following the acquisition, Llano’s long-serving president, Mark Hyman, is retiring after joining the winery in 1994.
Under his leadership, Llano said it “achieved a dominant position in retail distribution, accounting for 40% of Texas wine retail sales”.
The winemaking team remains unchanged, with Jason Centanni continuing as winemaker.
Glasheen said: “This is an exciting time for Llano. We see the tremendous opportunity ahead and believe in our winemaker, Jason Centanni, and believe Bret Perrenoud’s leadership can take Llano to the next level.”
Set up in 1976 in Lubbock, Llano is known for its “Sweet Red” and a range of “affordable wines”.
The winery’s portfolio also includes fine wines, which are predominantly offered through its on-site tasting room and exclusive wine club.
