South Willamette Valley, Oregon, September 12, 2025
News Summary
WarRoom Cellars has officially acquired Iris Vineyards in South Willamette Valley, Oregon, marking a significant expansion into the Oregon wine market. The sale includes key wines such as pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay, allowing the previous owners to maintain their vineyards while passing on the brand. This acquisition not only strengthens WarRoom’s portfolio but also enhances the recognition of Oregon wines known for their quality. Facilitated by Andy Steinman of Global Wine Partners, this move reflects a growing trend of larger companies acquiring established brands within the wine industry.
Oregon – WarRoom Cellars, a wine company based in California, has successfully acquired Iris Vineyards, a well-established winery located in South Willamette Valley, Oregon. The acquisition marks a significant expansion for WarRoom Cellars, which is better known for its California wine offerings.
Iris Vineyards, which has been in operation for 25 years, was owned by 68-year-old couple Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles. As they sought to retire and move on from the business, they strategically decided to sell the brand itself along with key wine products rather than the entire production facility. This decision was influenced by the current buyers’ market for wine properties where separating the brand from the winery presented the best exit strategy for them.
The deal focuses on three primary wines from the Iris portfolio — pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay — all sourced from the Willamette Valley appellation, known for its rich viticultural heritage and quality wine production. The financial details of the acquisition, including the precise amount paid by WarRoom Cellars, have not been disclosed.
As part of the acquisition, Frye and Boyles will retain ownership of their vineyards and the estate where they currently live. This arrangement allows them to remain connected to the land while passing on the brand to WarRoom Cellars, who aims to develop Iris Vineyards as its inaugural Oregon label. WarRoom Cellars’ portfolio currently features several well-known brands, including Bonny Doon Vineyard, Lapis Luna, Lyeth Estate, Parducci Cellars, and Toad Hollow Vineyards, primarily focusing on California and occasionally Washington wines.
To assist in the transition, Andy Steinman from Global Wine Partners played a pivotal role in facilitating the acquisition and will help Frye and Boyles find a new buyer for their production facility. This move not only supports the former owners but also ensures the ongoing legacy of Iris Vineyards within the evolving wine market.
The Willamette Valley is recognized internationally for its exceptional wine production, particularly for its pinot noir, which has gained a strong following among enthusiasts and collectors. With WarRoom Cellars now integrating Iris Vineyards into its brand portfolio, this acquisition is expected to elevate the recognition of wines coming from the Oregon region, known for its diverse microclimates and high-quality grapes.
This venture represents a noteworthy trend in the wine industry where established brands are being acquired by larger companies to expand their market reach and brand offerings. WarRoom Cellars’ commitment to nurturing and developing the Iris brand aligns with the growing consumer interest in Oregon wines, reflecting a broader shift toward regional diversity in the American wine market.
FAQs
What is the significance of WarRoom Cellars acquiring Iris Vineyards?
This acquisition allows WarRoom Cellars to expand into Oregon, a region highly regarded for its quality wine production, while also preserving the legacy of Iris Vineyards as they transition ownership of the brand.
What wines are included in the acquisition?
The acquisition specifically focuses on three key wines from the Iris portfolio: pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay, all sourced from the Willamette Valley.
Will the previous owners remain involved with Iris Vineyards?
Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles will continue to own their vineyards and estate but will transfer the brand ownership to WarRoom Cellars, allowing them to enjoy retirement while retaining ties to their land.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquirer | WarRoom Cellars |
| Seller | Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles |
| Location | South Willamette Valley, Oregon |
| Age of Iris Vineyards | 25 years |
| Key Wines | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay |
| Financial Terms | Not disclosed |
| Advisor | Andy Steinman of Global Wine Partners |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KGW: Willamette Valley Vineyard Acquired
- Wine Business: Industry News
- Oregon Live: A to Z Wineworks Purchased
- GlobeNewswire: Stoller Wine Group Acquires Elouan
- Oregon Wine Press: Duck Pond Purchased
- Wikipedia: Wine Production in Oregon
- Google Search: Oregon Wine Industry
- Google Scholar: Oregon Wine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
- Google News: Oregon Vineyards
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
