June 23, 2026 (Walla Walla, WA) — Capital Call Vintners is excited to announce the acquisition of the Dixie & Bass brand from Aquilini Wines. Aquilini ceased wine production in November 2025.
A popular brand made with Columbia Valley fruit and sporting distinctive labels by Bellingham-based artist RR “Fishboy” Clark, Dixie & Bass wines were made by winemakers Joshua Maloney and Tyler Tenneyson, who also serve as winemakers for Capital Call. Dixie & Bass is distributed nation-wide.
“When Aquilini Wines offered Dixie & Bass for acquisition, it was a natural fit for us,” said Steve Bruere, Capital Call Vintners co-founder. “We believe wine can be affordable, accessible, and incredibly delicious—and that’s exactly what Dixie & Bass is. With Joshua Maloney and Tyler Tennyson as our winemakers, Dixie & Bass is an ideal addition to our Capital Call family.”
Coincidentally, the term “dixie” originated as a slang term for a $10 banknote in 1800s New Orleans (“dix” is “10” in French), so this new brand fits right in with Capital Call’s financial theme.
Capital Call Vintners produces several brands including the Margin Call and Cashflow lines, along with Italian variety-focused wines from their Windhorse Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge, a Blanc de Blancs from Columbia Valley, and a selection of Bordeaux blends from the Red Mountain and Walla Walla AVAs.
Dixie and Bass is Capital Call’s second acquisition. The winery acquired the Barons Winery brand and library in 2023 when the founders retired. With these acquisitions and a thoughtful expansion strategy, Capital Call has been able to able to increase distribution of their wines in the Midwest, much to the delight of co-owners Steve and Nikki Bruere, who live in Iowa.
While the wine business has been struggling as a whole, Capital Call has identified new markets and consumers in the Midwest. Regional Midwest distribution growing steadily and the wines are being enthusiastically received. This positive trend gives the winery confidence that the tide for the industry is beginning to turn.
“We look forward to continuing to offer Dixie & Bass in its current markets and to expanding distribution in upcoming years,” Bruere said. “We’re thankful to Aquilini for establishing the brand and have big plans to evolve the brand and expand its market reach.”
About Capital Call Vintners
To showcase the brilliant fruit from three estate vineyards—Wheatfield Vines and Carbondale Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA and the Windhorse Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA—Steve & Nikki Bruere and Alan Busacca formed Capital Call Vintners in 2020.
Steve Bruere, President of the Peoples Company, is deeply entrenched in agriculture, real estate, and business. Alan Busacca has a rich understanding of the Pacific Northwest terroir through his long career as a soil scientist, geologist, researcher, and instructor at Washington State University.
As the business started to come together, the partners learned the lesson that many in the wine industry know all too well: to make a small fortune in the wine business, you must first start with a large fortune. This principle became the flagship and foundation of Capital Call Vintners.
In 2026, Capital Call Vintners will produce 7,000 cases.
Follow Dixie & Bass Wines:
Website: https://dixiebasswines.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dixiebasswines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dixiebasswines
Follow Capital Call Vintners:
Website: https://capitalcallvintners.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capitalcallvintners/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalcallvintners/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@capitalcallvintners
