Washington-based Mercer Wine Estates has struck a deal to add four wine brands to its portfolio.
The Matthews, Tenor, Jaine and Single Barrel wine brands are being acquired from local winemaker Avallé for an undisclosed sum.
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Mercer Wine Estates confirmed the agreement was signed on Tuesday (10 March).
The remaining brands in Avallé’s portfolio are From The Sky Down and Blackboard, according to its website. The business was formally set up by the Otis family two years ago to house its wine brands.
Mercer Wine Estates, a subsidiary of agricultural business Mercer Ranches, told Just Drinks the purchase “strengthens” its range of “vineyard-driven brands”.
It added: “Both family businesses had real strengths but by combining together it will make one stronger company and allow the best wines possible to be made.”
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By GlobalDataIn its release, the Washington wine business said it has supplied grapes to Avallé for the four wines “for many years”.
“We believe Washington has some of the most compelling vineyards and winemaking talent in the world, and this acquisition shows our commitment to that future,” Rob Mercer, the president of Mercer Ranches said a statement.
“We know these vineyards, we know these wines, and we believe strongly in the teams behind them. We are grateful to Avallé for their efforts to build these brands, and our goal is to continue showing how great the wines from the Columbia Valley can be.”
With the transaction, Avallé winemakers Alex Stewart, Hal Iverson and Andy Ferguson join Mercer, continuing to produce the Matthews, Tenor and Single Barrel brands in Woodinville, north-east of Seattle. The Jaine brand will continue to be produced in Prosser, southern Washington by Mercer winemaker Ali Mayfield.
Jen Bell, formerly the chief operating officer at Avallé, has also joined Mercer as vice president, “leading the wine division and overseeing the expanded portfolio”, Mercer said in its statement.
“Maintaining continuity was critical,” Rob Mercer added. “The people behind these wines matter. This transition allows us to preserve what works while giving the brands a strong foundation for the future.”
All four brands are available to purchase in the US direct from the winery. The Matthews and Jaine brands are also sold through wine and spirits distributor Winebow in “select US markets”, a spokesperson from Mercer Wine Estates told Just Drinks. Matthews is also sold in Japan.
Mercer Wine Estates produces just under 20,000 cases of wine at its winery in Prosser. It owns around 1,400 acres of vineyards, across sites which include Culloden, Chapman Creek and Spice Cabinet.
The business also has tasting rooms in Walla Walla and Prosser and will also “soon” have one in Woodinville, it said.
