Ackley Brands, a family-owned company based in Seattle that owns and operates premium beverage brands in the Pacific Northwest, has announced its acquisition of Columbia Winery and Hogue Cellars from E. & J. Gallo Winery and Betz Family Winery, a family owned winery located in Woodinville, WA. These strategic purchases add substantial value to Ackley Brands’ portfolio and represent a bold step forward for the company.

Columbia Winery and Hogue Cellars have a combined total annual production of more than 130,000 cases. Founded in 1962, Columbia Winery is located in Sunnyside, WA. Hogue Cellars, based in Prosser, WA was founded in 1982. Both are iconic Washington State brands that represent a notable market share of all Washington wines sold in the United States.

Established in 1997 by Cathy and Bob Betz, Betz Family Winery holds an esteemed position in the Washington wine industry.  Bob Betz brought decades of expertise to the Washington wine landscape, notably from his tenure as Vice-President of winemaking research at Chateau Ste. Michelle. In 2011, Brigit and Steve Griessel purchased the winery, with Betz staying on as a consultant.

Over the past several vintages, the Griessels built a strong reputation as one of the country’s premier producers of Bordeaux and Rhône-style red wines.  The winery  continually receives high acclaim from international critics and has developed a loyal direct-to-consumer following.

“We are thrilled to welcome Columbia Winery, Hogue Cellars and Bertz Family Winery into the Ackley Brands family,” said Brandon Ackley, Founder and President of Ackley Brands. “Our commitment to preserving and promoting the Pacific Northwest’s winemaking legacy is stronger than ever. We are confident in the potential of these iconic brands and are excited about the opportunities they bring to our diverse portfolio.”

Ackley Brands’ portfolio includes Montinore Estate and Landlines Estates, both of which  are leaders in the world of Biodynamic viticulture based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Tidalstar Vineyard, a Biodynamic and organic vineyard in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, First Sight, an affordable organic California wine collection from Paso Robles, and others. In 2023, Ackley Brands acquired their first brewery, the Pacific Northwest icon Mac & Jack’s.

Ackley expressed optimism about the future: “Even though change is afoot industry-wide, I see a bright path forward and anticipate tremendous potential for growth from teams that are able to adapt during these times.”  The sales prices of the acquisitions were not disclosed.

With its recent acquisitions, Ackley Brands has made an unmistakable statement about its commitment to the future of Washington wine,” said Bob Betz, who will remain a consultant to Betz Family Winery.

The intention is for employees of all three wineries to be retained under the new ownership.