Sonoma’s Sojourn Cellars Acquired by Ex-Vintage Wine Estates CEO: What This Means for the Future

Winery executive Pat Roney is embarking on a new venture as he leads a group of investors in the acquisition of Sonoma-based Sojourn Cellars. This deal, which was announced on August 7, includes the Sojourn brand and its inventory, but excludes any vineyards or winemaking facilities. The sale price has not been disclosed.

Roney previously served as the CEO and founding partner of Vintage Wine Estates, stepping down in 2023. The company faced significant challenges, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 after aggressive expansion and pandemic-related difficulties. Roney had significantly expanded VWE, starting with the acquisition of Girard Winery and Windsor Vineyards and culminating in a public offering in 2021.

Sojourn Cellars, established in 2001 by Craig Haserot and winemaker Erich Bradley, produces around 10,000 cases of wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Roney expressed admiration for Sojourn’s strong direct-to-consumer base and the quality of their wines. “They’ve got a great list of customers, a lot of longtime customers. It’s something that I think we can continue to develop,” he shared.

The acquisition is not the first change for Sojourn in recent years. It was sold in 2020 to Ken Mattson, who had plans for expansion that ultimately fell through. Mattson’s legal troubles, which include allegations of fraud, caused financial strain on the winery. Roney had been negotiating the acquisition for seven months, navigating complications stemming from Mattson’s company’s bankruptcy.

While Haserot exited after the previous sale, Bradley remains onboard as the winemaker. Currently, Sojourn produces 37 different wines, but Roney intends to streamline this to 20 or 21. When asked if this purchase signifies a revival akin to his previous venture, Roney remarked that while they might consider further acquisitions, time is a constraint as he is 69 and doesn’t have two decades to rebuild.

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