Seattle, WA (May 14, 2024) — Ackley Brands, a family-owned beverage company in Seattle with a portfolio of iconic brands across the Pacific Northwest, proudly announces its milestone acquisition of Betz Family Winery. The Woodinville, Washington winery will retain its operations team, including longtime winemaker Louis Skinner and consultant Bob Betz, MW. With the purchase of Betz Family Winery, SUNU and The Untold Story wines, Ackley Brands makes a strategic move in premium Washington wine and solidifies its commitment to quality.
Established in 1997 by Cathy and Bob Betz, MW, Betz Family Winery holds an esteemed position in the domestic wine landscape. Bob Betz, a rare Master of Wine and winemaker, brings decades of expertise, notably from his tenure as VP of Winemaking Research atz Chateau Ste. Michelle. In 2011, Betz Family Winery sold the business to Bridgit and Steve Griessel. Over the past several vintages, they’ve built a strong reputation as one of the country’s premier producers of Bordeaux and Rhône-style red wines. Betz wines continually receive high acclaim from international critics and have created a loyal DTC following.
The acquisition of Betz Family Winery expands Ackley Brands’ footprint in Washington and neighboring Oregon. SUNU, Betz Family Winery’s sister brand in the Willamette Valley, offers vineyard designate bottlings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. SUNU aligns with Ackley Brands’ existing Oregon portfolio, which includes Montinore Estate and Landlines Estates, both champions of Biodynamic® viticulture in the Willamette Valley.
Brandon Ackley, the driving force behind Ackley Brands, expressed his admiration for Betz Family Winery. “When I entered the wine industry, Betz was a priority on my list of wineries to engage with—I hold immense respect for the individuals behind these notable wines. This acquisition marks another milestone in our pursuit of stewarding historic and iconic brands,” Ackley said.
