January 27, 2026 — We are pleased to announce that Metis served as the transaction advisor to Bill Sweat and Donna Morris in the sale of Winderlea Vineyard & Winery to the Ricci Family, marking a seamless family-to-family transition for one of the Willamette Valley’s most celebrated estate wineries.
Nestled in the prestigious Dundee Hills, among some of Oregon’s finest Pinot Noir vineyards, Winderlea represents the kind of legacy property that demands the right steward. Bill and Donna built a brand defined by its commitment to sustainability – Demeter Certified Biodynamic vineyards, B Corp certification, and pioneering environmental practices – and they sought a buyer who shared those values. In the Ricci family, led by former Adelsheim CEO Joth Ricci and his daughter Anna, they found exactly that.
As Joth noted, “Bill and Donna have created something remarkable here that is expressed in the wines and woven into the way people connect with Winderlea. We’re excited to build on what they’ve created and steward the winery with care in the years ahead.”
Discover how Metis helped Bill and Donna navigate a challenging market to find the ideal partner for their legacy. Click here to read the full case study.
If you’re considering strategic options for your business or are interested in exploring opportunities in the wine industry, we’d be pleased to discuss how Metis can help you achieve your goals.
About Metis
Named for the Greek goddess of prudence and wise counsel, Metis is a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm focused exclusively on the wine industry. Metis offers a disciplined, confidential process to select clients. The Metis team is comprised of leaders with over 100 years of combined ownership and management experience in the industry who are strategically located in Napa, Willamette Valley, and Walla Walla. This unique combination of operational and M&A advisory expertise offers clients more than transactional guidance, but the consultation needed to unlock the full value of their business.
