Wineries and Whiskey Makers Tap Private Credit for Financing

Wineries, booze distributors and distilleries are turning to private credit for financing, especially as tariffs and a decline in drinking habits bring more risk to the alcohol industry.

A direct lending partnership between Wells Fargo & Co. and Centerbridge Partners has provided several loans to beverage distributors in recent months, including Hand Family Cos. and Southern Crown Partners.

Earlier this year, Ares Management Corp.-backed wine club and restaurant chain Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants was looking to tap private credit to refinance its debt.

“We’ve seen deals that range from the largest wineries, that you see in every ...