Acquired Brands from The Wine Group Include Kung Fu Girl, The Velvet Devil, Band of Roses, Eve, Chateau Smith, and Boom Boom!
Seattle, WA (August 12, 2024) — Ackley Brands, a family-owned beverage company in Seattle and a leader in the Pacific Northwest wine industry, announces the acquisition of the iconic wines under the Charles Smith Wines banner. The acquisition includes well-known brands recognized for their exceptional quality and broad consumer appeal: Kung Fu Girl, Eve, The Velvet Devil, Band of Roses, Boom Boom!, and Chateau Smith. This strategic move marks another milestone for Ackley Brands, which has quadrupled in size over the last 12 months.
The purchase from The Wine Group, which closed on August 8, 2024, involves the acquisition of brands and inventory; it does not include any properties, physical assets, or personnel. The acquired brands have a combined production of over 160,000 cases annually.
“With this acquisition, we’re staying true to our vision for Oregon and Washington wines and reinforcing our belief in the region,” said Brandon Ackley, CEO of Ackley Brands. “These wines resonate with consumers all around the country, and speak to the bright future ahead for Pacific Northwest wine.”
Other recent Ackley Brands acquisitions include iconic Pacific Northwest brands Hogue Cellars, Columbia Winery, Betz Family Wines, SUNU Wines, and Mac & Jack’s Brewing Company. Ackley Brands has established a diverse portfolio catering to a wide array of tastes and occasions.
“We are thrilled to have found a local home for Charles Smith Wines in Ackley Brands,” said John Sutton, CEO at The Wine Group, the second largest wine producer in the world. “This is a great fit and we look forward to seeing the brands grow in the capable hands of Brandon Ackley and his Northwest-based team.”
Kung Fu Girl is the #2 selling on-premise Riesling in the country, with 80,000 cases sold annually in the super-premium category. The Velvet Devil is the #5 selling on-premise Merlot and Boom Boom! Syrah comes in at #3 in the country together selling over 60,000 cases annually. This market share, along with the strong presence of the other acquired brands, create significant momentum for Ackley Brands’ sales team on a national level.
The acquisition also provides new opportunities for Ackley Brands’ production team. Subsequent vintages of Kung Fu Girl, Eve, The Velvet Devil, Band of Roses, Chateau Smith, and Boom Boom! will be made at Ackley Brands’ winemaking facility in Prosser, Washington, under the direction of Will Wiles, the recently appointed Director of Winemaking at Ackley Brands.
ABOUT ACKLEY BRANDS
Ackley Brands, headquartered in Seattle, WA, is a family-owned enterprise renowned for its premium beverage brands throughout the Pacific Northwest. With a passionate and discerning team, Ackley Brands curates a diverse portfolio that pays homage to the distinct regions and terroirs from which they originate. From the vibrant cityscape of Seattle, Washington, to the serene landscapes of Northern Italy, Ackley Brands marries tradition with innovation, crafting beverages that embody the essence of their origins. For more information, visit ackleybrands.com.
