Charles Banks, the former owner of the Californian Cult Winery “Screaming Eagle” has bought a stake in the New Zealand winery “Trinity Hill” from its London-based owners.
The US millionaire has bought a 25 % share in the Hawke’s Bay estate through his “Terroir Sealections” company and is set to become a majority shareholder with up to 70 % ownership. The move has come as the estate has expressed interest in expanding its global exports. Banks believes that New Zealand has a very bright future and is impressed with strides made over the past dozen years. He said “Trinity Hill is in a terrific position to prosper having consistently delivered high quality wines across its range.”
He intends to build a boutique winery for the estates top reds including the flagship “Homage Syrah.” Trinity Hill’s CEO, Michael Henley said “ By investing in Trinity Hills, Charles and Terroir are ensuring the long-term viability of what is one of Hawke’s Bay’s, and New Zealand’s, most loved wine labels.
October 2013 Banks took up a majority share in Rhone blend specialist “Qupé” in Santa Barbara , California one of US top syrah producers. In May 2013 Banks acquired the historic Mayacamas vineyards in Napa Valley. Also under the Terroir Selections umbrella are Pinot Noir producer “Sandhi” in the Santa Rita Hills and Wind Gap in Sonoma. Banks also has Mulderbosch in South Africa and Maison L’Oree in Burgundy.