Acquisition of Matthews, Tenor, Jaine, and Single Barrel Brings Longtime Vineyard Partners Together
PROSSER, Wash. (March 11, 2026) — Mercer Wine Estates, a multi-generation, family-owned winegrower with deep roots in Washington State agriculture, today announced it is acquiring four leading Washington wine brands – Matthews, Tenor, Jaine, and Single Barrel. The acquisition strengthens Mercer’s portfolio of vineyard-driven brands and reinforces its longstanding commitment to investing in the people, vineyards, and places shaping the future of Washington’s Columbia Valley.
For generations, the Mercer family has been deeply invested in Washington’s agricultural future, with a focus on long-term farming, stewardship, and vineyard development across the Columbia Valley. This acquisition reflects that philosophy in action, bringing together brands that share a commitment to vineyard expression, quality, and longevity within a structure designed for sustained growth.
Mercer Wine Estates has supplied fruit to Avallé, owner of the four brands, for many years, creating deep familiarity with their vineyards, winemaking approach, and quality standards. Formalizing that relationship allows for greater alignment across farming, winemaking, and long-term brand stewardship.
“We believe Washington has some of the most compelling vineyards and winemaking talent in the world, and this acquisition shows our commitment to that future,” said Rob Mercer, President of Mercer Ranches. “We know these vineyards, we know these wines, and we believe strongly in the teams behind them. We are grateful to Avallé for their efforts to build these brands, and our goal is to continue showing how great the wines from the Columbia Valley can be.”
Continuity in Winemaking and Leadership
As part of the acquisition, the winemaking team behind Matthews, Tenor, Jaine, and Single Barrel will join Ali Mayfield and the team at Mercer Wine Estates, adding decades of experience and talent in crafting some of Washington State’s most highly regarded wines. This team – led by Alex Stewart, Hal Iverson, and Andy Ferguson – will oversee winemaking across the expanded portfolio.
Alex Stewart, Hal Iverson, and Andy Ferguson bring decades of combined experience crafting some of Washington State’s most highly regarded wines. Their work has earned top critical recognition across both red and white wines and helped elevate the Columbia Valley’s standing on the national stage.
They have worked extensively with Mercer vineyard sites throughout their careers, especially from the historic, singular site in the Horse Heaven Hills where the Mercer’s first planted Cabernet, bringing deep familiarity with the vineyards, farming practices, and fruit that define Mercer Wine Estates.
Jen Bell will join Mercer Wine Estates as Vice President, leading the Wine Division and overseeing the expanded portfolio. Bell brings nearly 25 years of experience in wine operations and portfolio strategy.
“Maintaining continuity was critical,” Mercer added. “The people behind these wines matter. This transition allows us to preserve what works while giving the brands a strong foundation for the future.”
The acquisition also expands Mercer Wine Estates’ footprint to Woodinville, giving consumers in the greater Seattle area new opportunities to experience these wines firsthand.
Distinct Brands, Aligned by Vineyards and Vision
Each of the four brands being acquired brings a clearly defined point of view to Washington winemaking, expanding Mercer Wine Estates’ portfolio across styles, price points, and consumer occasions while remaining grounded in vineyard expression.
- Matthews is known for its refined, Bordeaux-inspired wines sourced from some of the Columbia Valley’s most respected vineyard sites, with an emphasis on balance and structure.
- Tenor focuses on 100% single-varietal wines from the Columbia Valley produced in limited quantities. The 2022 La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay received the first-ever 100-point score awarded to a white wine from Washington State.
- Jaine focuses exclusively on dynamic white and rosé wines from sustainably farmed, single-vineyard sites across the Columbia Valley. Wines are crafted by Ali Mayfield.
- Single Barrel is built around distinctive, barrel-selected wines that highlight individuality and exploration within Washington viticulture.
- Mercer is committed to sustainability and focused on showcasing the depth and excellence of wines produced in the Horse Heaven Hills.
Together, these brands form a complementary portfolio that broadens Mercer Wine Estates’ reach while remaining anchored in longstanding vineyard relationships.
The agreement was signed on March 10, 2026.
About Mercer Wine Estates
Mercer Wine Estates is a multi-generation, family-owned winegrower based in Washington State’s Columbia Valley. The family motto is “Farming for the next 1,000 years,” a daily reminder of the family’s commitment to preserving nature and farming sustainably. With a farming legacy that includes planting the first Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the Horse Heaven Hills in 1972 (what is now Champoux Vineyard), the Mercer family has played a longstanding role in shaping Washington viticulture. The Mercer family owns top vineyard sites such as Spice Cabinet, Eagle & Plow, Princeton, Culloden, and Chapman Creek vineyards. Mercer Wine Estates farms estate and partner vineyards across key Washington appellations and produces a portfolio of vineyard-driven wines rooted in long-term stewardship, consistency, and a commitment to the future of Washington wine.
