Stoller Wine Group Acquires Joe Wagner’s Oregon Brand Elouan: What This Means for the Wine Industry

On June 12, winemaker Joe Wagner sold his renowned Oregon wine brand, Elouan, to Stoller Wine Group for an undisclosed sum. This deal positions Stoller as the third-largest Pinot Noir producer in Oregon. The acquisition includes Elouan’s brand, current inventory, and bulk wine, but notably, it does not involve any vineyards or winemaking facilities.

Wagner launched Elouan in 2013 as part of his Napa-based company, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, which also features other well-known brands such as Belle Glos and Böen. Elouan primarily sourced fruit from Southern Oregon, producing fruit-forward Pinot Noir and Chardonnay designed for mass marketing. It has been operating at a production rate of about 130,000 cases per year from facilities in California.

Gary Mortensen, Stoller Wine Group’s president, expressed excitement about adding Elouan to their portfolio, emphasizing its strong national market presence. The acquisition not only expands Stoller’s distribution but also complements their established success with Oregon Pinot Noir brands. With the sale in the works for approximately four months, Mortensen noted that it aligns with their plans to enhance their offerings.

Wagner had considered selling the brand as early as 2017 due to the complexities of sourcing and transporting fruit to California. He ultimately concluded that Elouan should be produced in Oregon, despite initial hesitations about managing a facility there. Starting with the 2025 harvest, Elouan will transition to being entirely produced in Oregon.

The financial details of this deal remain confidential, likely far less than the $315 million Constellation Brands paid for Wagner’s Meiomi brand in 2015. Elouan now joins other Stoller Wine Group brands such as Chehalem and Chemistry, contributing to an annual production nearing 300,000 cases.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

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