Napa, Calif., August 20, 2019 – Atlas Vineyard Management, Inc. has acquired the premier viticultural group, Bowland Vineyard Management. The addition of the 34 Bowland properties to Atlas’ existing client portfolio represents over 3000 total acres of premier vineyard property in the prime winegrowing regions of California, Oregon, and Washington states. Atlas Vineyard Management facilitates everything from site selection, vineyard development, vineyard farming, viticulture services, and grape sales marketing.
Atlas Vineyard Management will take over the farming of the estate properties of Williams Selyem Winery, Carlisle Winery and DuMol Winery, and in addition to 24 different properties in Sonoma County, primarily in Russian River and Bennett Valleys. In 2018, Bowland Vineyard Management sold grapes to over 40 wineries including such esteemed labels as Flowers Winery, Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards, and Gary Farrell Winery, and small, family-owned brands such as Massican Winery, Cruess Wine Co, Sua Sponte Cellars.
Chris Bowland, founder of Bowland Vineyard Management, will stay on in a senior role as Director of Farming. He brings 20 years of experience to Atlas Vineyard Management, 13 years spent leading Bowland Vineyard Management. All 100 employees will also stay on with Atlas “Our industry is experiencing increased pressures of labor shortage, tightening of grape prices, and a constant barrage of new regulations. In order to be successful through these times, I realized I either needed to grow my business significantly or find a partner to share the load. I found a great one in Atlas Vineyard Management.” says Chris Bowland.
Atlas’ Co-founder and CEO, Barry Belli notes, “We are thrilled to have Chris, his team, and clients on board with Atlas. Our team has always been our greatest strength and adding Chris’ leadership will add unprecedented depth of expertise for all of our clients. We strive to build a culture of great people who are humble and have a passion for the industry. Chris will be a great fit and we look forward to growing Atlas together.”
The acquisition is ideal for both entities. Bowland considered succession options and ultimately chose to merge for greater growth and business success. Bowland was introduced to Atlas through Tony Bugica, Director of Farming and Business Development, who joined Atlas through Bacchus Vineyard Management, which was absorbed by Atlas in 2016. “Atlas Vineyard Management is a growing and innovative company that has depths of experience and a positive, energetic, “can-do” attitude. They do whatever they can for the winemakers and vineyard owners. I had complete trust that they would take care of my employees the same or better than I have been these last 13 years.” said Chris Bowland.
Bowland Vineyard Management was represented by John Holdredge, Esq.
About Atlas Vineyard Management
Atlas Vineyard Management is a full-service vineyard management company. The team manages over 3000 acres in multiple regions including the Central Coast, Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, continuing up into the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the Columbia Gorge in Washington. Since its inception in 2012, Atlas Vineyard Management has been committed to excellence. Atlas Vineyard Management is dedicated to farming first-class vineyards sustainably to not only ensure the quality of the vineyards now but for future generations of caretakers. The team is committed to developing and managing first-class vineyards and producing high-quality grapes for some of the most recognized wines in the world, all while providing unprecedented service. www.atlasvm.com
