Staff gathered at Chateau des Charmes winery Friday morning for a meeting where owner Paul-Andre Bosc announced the sale of the family business, one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s premier wineries.

Marco Piccoli, who has extensive experience and expertise in winemaking and the wine industry in Niagara, is the new CEO of the company.

He acknowledged the great legacy of Chateau des Charmes, saying he respects its roots and is excited to “take it to the next level, while remembering where it has come from.”

Announcing the sale today, Bosc said his father Paul Bosc Sr. had been involved in the early discussions that eventually led to the sale, and he fully approved.

Bosc Sr., who launched the winery in 1978, died last December at the age of 88.

Bosc Jr. won’t be out of the picture at the winery.

He continues to own the property directly across the street from Chateau des Charmes, with more than 40 acres of vineyards he and his father originally planted.

The grapes grown there will be used exclusively by Chateau des Charmes.

* Watch for the full story in The Lake Report this Thursday.