South Willamette Valley, Oregon, September 12, 2025
News Summary
WarRoom Cellars has acquired Iris Vineyards, marking a significant expansion into the Oregon wine market. This acquisition, driven by the aging owners’ desire to transition into retirement, focuses on key wines including pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay. The deal aims to enhance WarRoom Cellars’ diverse portfolio, which primarily consists of California wines, as well as bolster the reputation of the Iris brand in the competitive wine industry.
Oregon—WarRoom Cellars, a California wine company known for its diverse portfolio, has officially acquired Iris Vineyards, a well-established brand located in the South Willamette Valley region of Oregon. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for WarRoom Cellars, as they aim to develop Iris Vineyards into their first Oregon wine brand.
Iris Vineyards, which has been in operation for 25 years, is owned by Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles, both of whom are 68 years old. The couple decided to sell their business, which includes the Cottage Grove winery and its existing inventory, as they sought an exit strategy for their brand. The financial terms of the sale have not been disclosed, but Boyles indicated that, due to a challenging buyers’ market for wine properties, separating the brand from the physical winery was the best approach for their transition.
As part of the acquisition, WarRoom Cellars will focus on three key wines from the Iris Winery: pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay. These wines are sourced from the Willamette Valley, known for its rich viticultural landscape ideal for producing high-quality wines. Although the couple will retain ownership of their personal vineyards and surrounding estate, they plan to work with Andy Steinman of Global Wine Partners, who advised on the acquisition, to find a buyer for their production facility.
The integration of Iris Vineyards will add to WarRoom Cellars’ growing portfolio, which primarily consists of wines from California, along with a select few from Washington state. This latest addition will allow WarRoom Cellars to broaden its offerings and cater to a wider market while enhancing its reputation for quality wine associated with the West Coast.
WarRoom Cellars is known for a range of established brands, including Bonny Doon Vineyard, Lapis Luna, Lyeth Estate, Parducci Cellars, and Toad Hollow Vineyards, and aims to bring the same level of recognition and quality to the Iris brand as it continues its journey in the competitive wine market.
Background on Iris Vineyards
Established in 1998, Iris Vineyards has built a reputation for producing award-winning wines in the growing and highly regarded Willamette Valley region. The winery has become a local hallmark for quality, offering various wine selections celebrated by both consumers and critics. The current owners, Frye and Boyles, have dedicated their personal and professional lives to nurturing the brand, making the decision to sell a significant step for the couple as they transition into retirement.
WarRoom Cellars Overview
Founded with a mission to produce high-quality wines, WarRoom Cellars has successfully navigated the competitive wine industry by focusing on sustainable and artisanal wine production methods. With an array of diverse wine options, the company has earned accolades and a solid following among wine enthusiasts, leading to this latest strategic acquisition of Iris Vineyards.
Conclusion
With the acquisition of Iris Vineyards, WarRoom Cellars is poised to enhance its presence in the Oregon wine market while ensuring the legacy of the Iris brand continues under new stewardship. This transaction offers a bright future for both WarRoom Cellars and Iris Vineyards, contributing positively to the Oregon wine industry’s growth and diversity.
FAQ
- What is WarRoom Cellars?
- WarRoom Cellars is a California-based wine company known for its diverse portfolio, which includes various well-known wine brands.
- Who owned Iris Vineyards before the acquisition?
- Iris Vineyards was owned by Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles, who operated the business for 25 years.
- What key wines will WarRoom Cellars focus on from Iris Vineyards?
- WarRoom Cellars will primarily focus on producing pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay from the Iris brand.
- Will Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles completely leave the wine industry?
- No, they will retain ownership of their personal vineyards and are working with a consultant to sell their production facility.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquiring Company | WarRoom Cellars |
| Acquired Brand | Iris Vineyards |
| Location | South Willamette Valley, Oregon |
| Established Year of Iris | 1998 |
| Key Wines | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay |
| Original Owners’ Ages | 68 |
| Consultant for Sale | Andy Steinman of Global Wine Partners |
| Parent Company Portfolio | Includes Bonny Doon, Lapis Luna, Lyeth Estate, Parducci, Toad Hollow |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KGW: Willamette Valley Vineyard Acquired
- Oregon Live: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Acquires A to Z Wineworks
- Globe Newswire: Stoller Wine Group Acquires Elouan
- Wine Business: Wine Industry News
- Oregon Wine Press: Duck Pond Purchased
- Wikipedia: Wine
- Google Search: Oregon Wine Industry
- Google Scholar: Oregon Wine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
- Google News: Oregon Wine Acquisitions
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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