Shafer Vineyards in California
Shinsegae Group is moving to take over Shafer Vineyards, a U.S. winery which produces high-quality wines (cult wines) in Napa Valley, California, through Shinsegae Property, its real estate development affiliate.
Shafer Vineyards was established by John Shafer in 1972. Its flagship wines, including “Hillside Select,” “Relentless” and “TD-9,” have attracted favorable reviews.
The winery is famous for using birds of prey to prevent rodents from damaging grape trees and grapes. It is not using chemical fertilizers as part of its efforts towards eco-friendly farming. It is also the first winery in the Napa region to use 100 percent solar energy.
Shinsegae Group's vice chairman Chung Yong-jin, who is a wine expert, founded Shinsegae Wine Co. (currently known as Shinsegae L&B), a wine importer, in 2008.