Truett Hurst and VML join the stable of Wilson Artisan Wineries under continued vision of Phil Hurst
Healdsburg, CA – March 26, 2024 – In a groundbreaking partnership, Ken Wilson and Wilson Artisan Wineries have partnered with Phil Hurst to acquire the Truett Hurst and VML wineries. The Wilson/Hurst partnership was driven by the goal to bring Truett Hurst & VML back to their roots as a family and locally-owned wineries.
In February 2024, while visiting his son Clay in the Wilson Artisan Estates Rockpile Vineyards tasting room, Phil Hurst met long-time friend Ken Wilson and former tennis partner to discuss the potential buy back, and take private, of the Truett Hurst and VML brands. With 11 wineries, multiple premium lodgings and almost 1,000 acres of grapes, Wilson agreed to enter into his first wine partnership. Says Hurst, “Ken Wilson is an icon in our area and has built an amazingly successful Direct to Consumer wine empire. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with him to take back and expand my legacy brands Truett Hurst and VML.”
Together Hurst and Wilson plan to invest in crafting world-class, award-winning wines and create a downtown Healdsburg tasting room experience that captures the essence and personality of the wineries. Hurst will oversee winemaking in conjunction with longtime winemaker, Ross Reedy. Hurst’s son Clay continues the legacy and will manage the tasting room. Wilson’s team of expert viticulturalists, production, finance and marketing will oversee operations and brand development. Wilson will personally design both tasting rooms and create exciting new consumer experiences. While the final tasting room location is still in development, Truett Hurst and VML will reopen as soon as the end of March for tasting experiences in Downtown Healdsburg at 113 Mill Street, right near the Healdsburg roundabout at the entrance to town.
In addition to preserving the legacy of Truett Hurst and VML, this partnership opens doors for expanded offerings and exclusive benefits for wine club members. With access to Wilson Artisan Wineries’ esteemed portfolio, including Wilson, Mazzocco, Pezzi King, and more, members can anticipate a wealth of new experiences and opportunities to indulge in world-class wines.
“We’re committed to delivering unparalleled value to our members,” says Ken Wilson. “By joining forces, we’re not only honoring the legacies of Truett Hurst, VML and Wilson Artisan Wines, but also creating exciting new possibilities for the future.”
The acquisition of the brands took place on March 21, 2024 and does not include the property on Dry Creek road that Hurst purchased in 2008.
Truett Hurst and VML wine club members will continue to enjoy the benefits they received before the acquisition and will have the added benefit of access to the 11 Wilson Artisan Wineries including Wilson, Mazzocco, Pezzi King, Soda Rock, Rockpile Vineyards and more, as well as access to lodging benefits, multi-winery events and further benefits—details are still evolving, but “We’re proud of the high-value offerings of amazing wines and experiences this partnership will afford to both current and future members of these powerhouse wine clubs.”- Ken Wilson.
About Truett Hurst & VML
Founded in 2008 by Phil Hurst and his wife Sylvia and the late Paul Dolan and his son Heath, Truett Hurst Winery has earned a great following for their outstanding Dry Creek Valley wines and extraordinary consumer experiences. Several years later, VML was added to the portfolio to showcase the very best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley.
In 2013, acting as CEO and Chairman of the Board, Hurst launched an IPO to raise growth capital to fund expansion of the tasting rooms and develop several additional retail and Private Label brands. In 2018, Hurst sold the Private Label and retail brands to Precept Wine Co., located in Seattle Washington, and joined the Precept team as Chief Innovation Officer under a five-year contract that ended in November 2023. Phil Hurst now partners with legendary vintner, Ken Wilson and Wilson Artisan Wines to carry forth the new Truett Hurst and VML offering outstanding Dry Creek and Russian River Valley wines and experiences.
About Wilson Artisan Wineries
Wilson Artisan Wineries is a celebrated assemblage of top-tier wineries and charming inns nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This esteemed collection boasts an array of renowned names including Wilson Winery, Mazzocco, deLorimier, Matrix, Pezzi King, Rockpile Vineyards, St. Anne’s Crossing, Greenwood Ridge, Jaxon Keys, Coyote Sonoma, and Soda Rock Winery. Alongside these acclaimed wineries, historic Healdsburg lodging properties, The Grape Leaf, Calderwood, and Camellia Inns and other downtown and vineyard lodging round out the portfolio.
Distinguished for their unwavering commitment to excellence, Wilson Artisan Wines consistently capture the essence of their terroir and the expertise of their winemakers, resulting in a range of exceptional wines. Complementing their vinicultural prowess is a tradition of exceptional hospitality, ensuring that every visitor enjoys a memorable and enriching experience amidst Sonoma County’s picturesque landscapes.
