Who sold the Prisoner brand to Constellation?

David Phinney is the correct answer because he was the original creator of The Prisoner wine. He founded the brand in 1997, and it quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of Zinfandel and other varietals, which helped define the modern California wine scene. In 2010, Phinney sold The Prisoner Wine Company to Constellation Brands, a major player in the wine and spirits industry, which allowed the brand to reach a wider market while Phinney continued to produce other wines under his Orin Swift label. This transaction is noteworthy not just for its commercial success but also for how it represents a shift in ownership of boutique wineries during a time of increasing consolidation in the beverage industry.

The other names listed are significant figures in the winemaking community but are not associated with the sale of The Prisoner brand to Constellation. Gustav Niebaum is known for founding the iconic Inglenook winery, Philip Togni is a respected winemaker in Napa Valley famous for his own estate and Bordeaux-style wines, and Randy Dunn is renowned for his cabernet sauvignon but is not connected to The Prisoner brand. Understanding these contexts is critical in grasping the landscape of the wine industry and the influence of its