Chanel Acquires Rudd Estate: A Shift in Napa Valley's Wine Landscape

On April 13, 2026, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, owned by the luxury fashion house Chanel, finalized the acquisition of Rudd Estate in Oakville, California. This purchase includes the Rudd brand, inventory, and a 65-acre property with 47 acres of vineyards, significantly expanding St. Supéry's holdings to over 1,650 acres across four Napa Valley estates. The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry, stated, “We had been searching for exceptional vineyards since 2015,” emphasizing the strategic fit of Rudd Estate within their portfolio.

St. Supéry Acquires Rudd Estate to Expand Napa Valley Vineyard HoldingsWine SpectatorChanel-owned St. Supéry acquires Rudd EstateNew York Post

Founded in 1996 by Leslie Rudd, Rudd Estate gained recognition for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Following Leslie Rudd's death in 2018, his daughter, Samantha Rudd, took over leadership. Under her guidance, the estate adopted organic and biodynamic farming practices and reintroduced the Crossroads brand, which offers wines at a more accessible price point. Samantha Rudd has expressed her intention to focus on the family's restaurant ventures, including the Michelin-starred Press Restaurant and the Under-Study café.

Wine Spectator

The acquisition reflects a broader trend in Napa Valley, where several long-established wine families are exiting the industry amid economic challenges. St. Supéry's purchase of Rudd Estate aligns with its commitment to estate-grown wines and sustainability. Swain noted, “We’re doubling down on Napa; it’s such a special place,” highlighting the region's unique terroir and quality.

Chanel-owned St. Supéry acquires Rudd EstateWine SpectatorSt. Supéry Acquires Rudd Estate to Expand Napa Valley Vineyard HoldingsNew York Post

Samantha Rudd remarked on the transition, stating, “While we wish the Rudd Estate team well in this transition, Press Restaurant and Under-Study are independent businesses and will continue to operate as they always have.” She aims to attract innovative culinary talents to enhance the dining experience at Press. St. Supéry plans to maintain Rudd Estate and Crossroads as independent brands, with key personnel remaining in place to ensure continuity.

Chanel-owned St. Supéry acquires Rudd Estate

While the acquisition has been framed positively by St. Supéry and Chanel, there are concerns regarding the trend of luxury brands entering the wine industry. Critics argue that this could lead to a loss of authenticity and heritage in Napa Valley's wine production, as traditional family-owned wineries are replaced by corporate interests.

Wine Spectator

Moving forward, St. Supéry intends to integrate Rudd Estate’s bottled inventory into its distribution channels, continuing to produce wines from the estate. The future of Rudd Estate under Chanel's ownership will be closely monitored by industry observers, particularly regarding its impact on Napa Valley's wine culture and economy.

Chanel-owned St. Supéry acquires Rudd EstateSt. Supéry Acquires Rudd Estate to Expand Napa Valley Vineyard HoldingsNew York PostWine Spectator

• “Supéry CEO Emma Swain told Wine Spectator: “We had been searching for exceptional vineyards since 2015.” — Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry

New York Post

• “This business was hard for him to let go of. It's the only thing he put his name on,” — Samantha Rudd, on her father’s legacy

Wine Spectator

• “Our philosophy has always been one of stewardship – preserving the land and its potential for generations to come,” — Emma Swain, on St. Supéry's commitment to sustainability

Chanel-owned St. Supéry acquires Rudd Estate