GRAVITAS buys Rising Star Wine Group to widen California reach

GRAVITAS Wine Marketing & Sales has acquired Rising Star Wine Group, adding veteran sales reps, nine California wineries and a French import portfolio as it expands statewide distribution in California. The deal strengthens GRAVITAS’ restaurant and retail coverage while keeping Rising Star’s trade relationships in place.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives GRAVITAS a broader California distribution footprint in the state’s fine-wine market. - The combined sales team now includes nearly 30 representatives across California. - Winery partners gain wider coverage, while restaurants, retailers and wine buyers keep access to local reps who know their markets. - The deal also adds a Burgundy-heavy French import portfolio, expanding GRAVITAS beyond California producers.

What happened: - GRAVITAS Wine Marketing & Sales acquired Rising Star Wine Group, a California wholesale wine broker and distributor that has served the state’s wine trade since 2003. - The announcement came Sept. 15, 2026, from San Francisco. - GRAVITAS is led by Robert Kirkbride, President & Partner, and Aaron Campbell, Founder. - Rising Star’s veteran representatives are joining the larger GRAVITAS sales organization.

The details: - The acquisition adds nine established California wineries and a French import portfolio. - Rising Star’s portfolio includes producers with strong restaurant and sommelier recognition. - Laird Family Estate brings more than five decades of Napa Valley farming history and more than 2,000 planted acres. - August West, founded with the 2002 vintage, produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah from partner vineyards in the Russian River Valley’s Green Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands. - Kenefick Ranch is a 125-acre Calistoga estate with vineyard history dating to the late 1800s; the family bought the ranch in 1978 and launched its estate portfolio in 2002. - Red Stitch, founded with the 2007 vintage, makes Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. - Saint Helena Winery is a 13-acre St. Helena estate founded in 2000 and focused on small-production Cabernet Sauvignon. - Côtière, founded in 2006, is a winemaker-owned Central Coast producer making Bordeaux-variety wines from vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley and other California regions. - Ty Caton Vineyards is an estate producer in Moon Mountain District Sonoma County with 40 planted hillside acres and a Cabernet-focused program dating to the 2002 vintage. - Paloma Vineyard on Spring Mountain released its first Merlot from the 1994 vintage, and its 2001 Merlot was named Wine Spectator’s 2003 Wine of the Year. - Chloe Imports, founded in 1997, adds a European portfolio with depth in Burgundy, including Capitain-Gagnerot and Domaine du Prieuré. - The combined organization will coordinate sales coverage, producer communication, trade education and market development throughout California.

Between the lines: - The deal appears designed to deepen GRAVITAS’ hold on the California fine-wine segment by pairing established local relationships with a larger sales platform. - Preserving Rising Star’s account relationships matters because specialized wine distribution depends heavily on trust, continuity and local knowledge. - The portfolio mix suggests GRAVITAS is aiming for both restaurant-friendly domestic labels and imports that can broaden its pitch to buyers.

What's next: - GRAVITAS will integrate Rising Star’s team and portfolio into its statewide operation. - Winery partners are expected to move onto a larger sales network while continuing to work with familiar representatives. - GRAVITAS says the combined company will focus on long-term brand development, market execution and customer service.

The bottom line: - GRAVITAS is using the acquisition to scale up in California without abandoning the relationship-driven model that drives fine-wine distribution.