Washington state-based Evergreen Family Wines has acquired local wine producer Gatehouse Brands from its founders for an undisclosed sum.

Gatehouse Brands’ portfolio includes the two wine brands Luke Wines and Zero One Vintners. All Gatehouse's assets and intellectual property are included in the deal.

A joint statement said the move was "a natural evolution" as both businesses have worked together for a decade.

Evergreen produces the Luke and Zero One wine brands at its two wineries in Mattawa and Quincy in eastern Washington, called Wahluke Wine Co. and Ancient Lakes Wine Co., managing more than 3,000 acres of vineyards across these sites the Columbia Valley region.

Gatehouse's founders and owners Kristin and Thomas Vogele, will “continue to guide Luke over the next three years”, the statement said.

Evergreen Family Wines' "immediate focus" after the purchase is to continue making "superior wines" its vineyards and expand the Luke brand's distribution in the US and around the world.

Gatehouse co-founder Vogele told Just Drinks the Zero One wine brand was sold in limited markets and "will be retooled and relaunched by Evergreen Family Wines at a later date".

Its Luke Wines brand is available across the US and in a clutch of international markets, such as Japan, Canada and Singapore.

Vogele added that Evergreen will support the Luke brand’s growth as it has “full-service” sales organisation, tasting rooms, and a management team that can help to grow the label.

Evergreen's wines, which include the brands Alki, Milbrandt and Caliche Estate, are sold in 50 states in the US. The business told Just Drinks it also has “growing distribution in Europe and Southeast Asia”. 

In the statement, Brandon Rice, co-owner and majority shareholder of Evergreen Family Wines, said: “We've been producing Luke wines with Kristin and Thomas for over 10 years, and we look forward to elevating the brand to new heights. Wine lovers can expect Luke to continue to represent the upper echelon of premium wines from the Wahluke Slope’s exceptional terroir.”

Gatehouse co-owner Vogele added: “The Luke brand identity and quality standards will be preserved and enhanced through Evergreen Family's extensive vineyard holdings and innovative winemaking approaches. I’m excited to continue to help Brandon and the Evergreen team understand our vision and keep Luke wines true to themselves while reaching their full potential. The future looks exceptionally bright for Luke.”