Transition in Ownership: Sale of Washington’s Betz Family Winery

Ackley Brands, the recent purchaser of Hogue Cellars and Columbia Winery, is extending its Washington wine collection. Bob Betz and winemaker Louis Skinner will continue to hold their present positions.

In a second change of hands, one of Washington state’s more cherished wineries, Betz Family Winery, has been acquired by Ackley Brands, a small but fast-expanding beverage company. Betz Family Winery was established by former Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Betz and was purchased from Steve and Bridgit Griessel, the owners since 2011. The purchase also encompasses Washington wine brand The Untold Story and Oregon label SUNU.

The acquisition price was not revealed. The sale includes all three brands and inventory. Betz gets its fruit from various renowned vineyards and has been manufacturing its wines in a custom crush facility since 2021. Bob Betz will continue as a consultant for the labels, and Louis Skinner will continue in his position as winemaker.

“Betz was a priority on my list of wineries to engage with when I entered the wine industry,” said Brandon Ackley, CEO of Ackley Brands. “I hold immense respect for the individuals behind these remarkable wines.”

Ackley Brands had its inception in 2016 when the Ackley family acquired Montinore Estate located in Oregon. Brandon Ackley, apart from being a part of Ackley Brands, is also the co-founder and managing director of Ackley Capital, a private investment company based out of Seattle. Ackley Brands boasts a proud ownership of 10 wine brands along with a brewery. In April, Hogue Cellars and Columbia Winery, two renowned value-priced wine labels, were also added to their portfolio. These two brands singularly produce a whopping 130,000 cases every year. Betz Family, a premium label with consistent outstanding scores, produces 2,500 cases a year while SUNU has an annual production of 1,000 cases.

“With the recent mergers, Ackley Brands leaves no stone unturned to signify its allegiance to the future of Washington wine. I am excited to witness Betz Family become a part of this dynamic portfolio,” commented Bob Betz.

Betz, originally from Seattle, had initially aspired to become a doctor but fell in love with wine after visiting Europe several times. He stepped into the wine industry with Chateau Ste. Michelle in 1976, where he worked in various departments like winemaking, research, education, and public relations. Betz, alongside his wife Cathy, founded Betz Family Winery in 1997 while he was still at Chateau Ste. Michelle, launching with a modest production of 150 cases during its first vintage. He bid adieu to Chateau Ste. Michelle in 2003.

Report by Tim Fish.

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