Alex and Ani Purchases Sakonnet Vineyards; Move Represents “Major Re-investment” in Local Economy
CRANSTON, RI (July 17, 2012) – Giovanni Feroce, CEO of Alex and Ani, LLC, today announced that the lifestyle, eco-friendly brand has purchased a local Rhode Island winery, Sakonnet Vineyards, in Little Compton, RI. With this purchase, Alex and Ani will reinvent the surrounding community and economy.
“Sakonnet Vineyards represents a true Rhode Island success story,” said Mr. Feroce. “Since its founding in 1975, the winery has experienced impressive growth and has become an industry standard of excellence for the entire New England region. Wine production from Sakonnet Vineyards has steadily climbed to over 30,000 cases bottled annually, and many varieties have garnered domestic and international awards, including Boston Magazine’s “Best Winery in New England” 2006.
“All of us at Alex and Ani are excited about taking Sakonnet Vineyards to the next level of achievement,” Mr. Feroce added. “This will amount to a major re-investment in our local Rhode Island economy and community.”
Sakonnet Vineyards is comprised of 170 acres, 50 of which are planted with many varietals of Vinifera, including Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, as well as the French-American hybrid, Vidal Blanc. The microclimate and soil conditions found along the Southern New England coast closely resemble some of the great wine regions of the world, in particular, the maritime climates of northern France.
“I can’t help but be struck by the many parallels between our business and Sakonnet Vineyards,” said Designer Carolyn Rafaelian, Alex and Ani Owner and President. “Both our companies were born of the desire to redefine their industries and re-invigorate our shared local and regional economies. We are, symbolically and literally, of the earth, we grow organically, and we’re identified with good taste. We make a perfect pairing.”
The Alex and Ani purchase includes the Sakonnet Vineyards grounds, an additional 70 acres of 5-lot subdivisions and a residential component building in Little Compton, RI, a coastal community with frontage on the Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet River, Narragansett Bay.
Sakonnet Vineyards is located at 162 West Main, Little Compton, RI.
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About Alex and Ani
Alex and Ani, LLC. offers eco-friendly, positive energy products created by Designer Carolyn Rafaelian, Owner and President. Alex and Ani is synonymous with Made in America. Its World Headquarters are located in the Greater Providence, Rhode Island area, where its products are designed, manufactured, and assembled using recycled local materials. Carolyn believes that every individual has a positive message to share with the world and that, by incorporating powerful symbolism and design into each positive energy piece, Alex and Ani provides a vehicle for wearers to express their individuality. An Inc. 500 Company, Alex and Ani has retail stores in addition to retail partners both domestically and internationally. Please visit www.alexandani.com for more information.
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