PORTLAND, Ore. – A quarter-century-old Willamette Valley wine brand has a new home. WarRoom Cellars, a California-based wine company, has officially acquired the Iris Vineyards brand, marking its first expansion into Oregon.
Brand, Not Winery, Changes Hands
The deal, finalized under undisclosed terms, was not for the entire Iris operation. Instead, WarRoom Cellars purchased the brand rights and three signature SKUs: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley appellation.
Iris owners Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles, both 68, had been considering an exit strategy as they narrowed their business commitments. Boyles currently serves in leadership roles at Sycan B Corp, a real estate development and holding company, and Mereté Hotel Management.
While the brand has been sold, Frye and Boyles will continue to own their vineyards and the surrounding estate, where they live. The couple is also seeking a buyer for the Cottage Grove production facility, with industry advisor Andy Steinman of Global Wine Partners assisting in the process.
Why Sell the Brand Separately?
Boyles acknowledged that in today’s wine industry climate, selling the brand apart from the winery itself offered the best outcome…