South Willamette Valley, Oregon, September 12, 2025
News Summary
WarRoom Cellars, a well-known wine company from California, has successfully acquired Iris Vineyards, a prominent winery in South Willamette Valley, Oregon. The acquisition highlights Iris Vineyards’ 25-year legacy and its esteemed wines, including pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay. Former owners Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles aim to retain their estate while WarRoom Cellars expands its portfolio in Oregon. This strategic move reflects the evolving landscape of the wine industry as it adapts to market conditions and consumer preferences.
Oregon
WarRoom Cellars, a well-established wine company from California, has completed the acquisition of Iris Vineyards, a prominent winery based in South Willamette Valley, Oregon. This deal marks a significant step for both parties, with Iris Vineyards being a 25-year-old brand recognized for its premium wines. The previous owners, Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles, both aged 68, sought to sell their business, which encompasses the Cottage Grove winery and its inventory.
This acquisition will primarily focus on the Iris brand and its essential wine offerings, which include pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay sourced from the acclaimed Willamette Valley appellation. While the precise financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it’s evident that the couple aimed to separate the brand from the property in light of current market conditions.
Frye and Boyles expressed that, owing to the current buyers’ market for wine properties, the best option for an exit was to divest the brand while retaining ownership of their vineyards and the estate where they reside. This strategic decision is intended to optimize their transition while allowing WarRoom Cellars to expand its brand repertoire.
As part of the transition, Andy Steinman from Global Wine Partners acted as an advisor in the acquisition and will assist Frye and Boyles in locating a buyer for their production facility. WarRoom Cellars plans to leverage the Iris Vineyards brand, positioning it as their inaugural venture in Oregon, while continuing to cultivate their extensive portfolio of mainly California wines along with a select few from Washington state.
WarRoom Cellars, which boasts a selection of recognized brands such as Bonny Doon Vineyard, Lapis Luna, Lyeth Estate, Parducci Cellars, and Toad Hollow Vineyards, is expected to enhance its market presence through this acquisition. With Iris Vineyards now under its umbrella, the company aims to further solidify its reputation in the wine industry, capturing the essence of Oregon’s viticulture and expanding its production capacity.
As the acquisition solidifies, it underscores the ongoing evolution within the wine industry, where businesses adapt to changing market landscapes and consumer preferences. This merger not only expands WarRoom Cellars’ brand portfolio but also reflects the continuing legacy of Iris Vineyards, enriching the wine offerings of the Willamette Valley and beyond.
FAQ
What is WarRoom Cellars?
WarRoom Cellars is a California-based wine company that specializes in producing a variety of wines, primarily from California and some from Washington state.
Who owned Iris Vineyards before the acquisition?
Iris Vineyards was previously owned by Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles for 25 years.
What wines will WarRoom Cellars focus on from Iris Vineyards?
The focus will be on three key wines: pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay, all sourced from the Willamette Valley appellation.
What will happen to the existing production facility of Iris Vineyards?
Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles will retain their production facility and are seeking a buyer for it, with assistance from Andy Steinman of Global Wine Partners.
What brands does WarRoom Cellars own in addition to Iris Vineyards?
WarRoom Cellars’ portfolio includes notable brands such as Bonny Doon Vineyard, Lapis Luna, Lyeth Estate, Parducci Cellars, and Toad Hollow Vineyards.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquirer | WarRoom Cellars |
| Acquired Brand | Iris Vineyards |
| Location | South Willamette Valley, Oregon |
| Key Wines | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay |
| Previous Owners | Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles |
| Advisory | Global Wine Partners |
| Other Brands Owned | Bonny Doon Vineyard, Lapis Luna, Lyeth Estate, Parducci Cellars, Toad Hollow Vineyards |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KGW: Willamette Valley Vineyard Acquired
- Oregon Live: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Purchases A-Z Wineworks
- Wine Business: News Article
- GlobeNewswire: Stoller Wine Group Acquires Elouan
- Oregon Wine Press: Duck Pond Purchased
- Wikipedia: Wine
- Google Search: Oregon wine industry
- Google Scholar: Oregon wine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
- Google News: Oregon vineyards
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