French luxury group LVMH on Tuesday announced it was adding to its stock of fine wines and spirits by taking over Colgin Cellars, a deluxe vineyard in California's Napa Valley.  

Current owners Ann Colgin and her husband Joe Wender will sell a 60 percent stake to the world's biggest luxury group, which counts Veuve Clicquot champagne and Hennessy cognac among its alcohol brands.

The deal values the estate at 100 million euros, a source close to the takeover said, while Colgin and Wender will maintain their leadership roles.

Colgin, a former wine consultant at Sotheby's, founded the vineyard in 1992. Its four red wines, which sell for up to $600 a bottle (511 euros) are sold to high-end stores and restaurants around the world.

LVMH chief executive Bernard Arnault welcomed the announcement, adding the acquisition was part of a strategy of "enriching our collection of iconic wines".

Source: AFP