Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Miami and Dallas, announced that it has expanded distribution agreements in the Pacific Northwest with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, Wash.

The market expansion includes Alaska, Oregon, Utah, western Washington State and Wyoming; bringing the total alignment with Southern Glazer’s in the United States to 26 states. The five-year agreement represents a long-term commitment by both companies to grow the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio in this important domestic wine region.

“Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is the dominant winery in Washington and a powerhouse in the Pacific Northwest,” said Wayne Chaplin, chief executive officer of Southern Glazer’s, in a statement. “Aligning with us in these markets enables them to further leverage synergies in our businesses and accelerate growth of their premium wine brands.”

Mel Dick, senior vice president of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and president of the company’s wine division added: “Southern Glazer’s and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates have had an incredible 30-year partnership. We look forward to building on this amazing foundation and continuing to champion outstanding Washington wines in the marketplace.”

Some of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates signature brands include Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, 14 Hands, and Red Diamond.

“For nearly 30 years, the Southern team has grown the Washington wine category across its 20-plus markets,” said Ted Baseler, chief executive officer of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. “Assigning Ste. Michelle’s Pacific Northwest business to the Southern Glazer’s team joins two premier organizations who have unmatched 50-year legacies in the wine industry.

Dan Heller, executive vice president of sales for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates added: “We are looking forward to expanding our long-term partnership with Southern Glazer’s to include the Pacific Northwest. Southern Glazer’s has built an outstanding distribution platform in our home market. There is no doubt that they are best positioned to grow our share in the marketplace.”