Renowned Winemaker Tony Rynders Continues Storied Legacy of Panther Creek Cellars

DUNDEE, Ore., June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Panther Creek Cellars, one of the first Oregon wineries recognized for its exceptional regional blends and single vineyard designate wines, especially Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, has made a new home in Dundee: 110 SW Highway 99W. A grand opening celebration will be held on June 14, 2014 to showcase the brand's storied history as well as foreshadow its exciting future.  Library wines will be served as will barrel samples of Consulting Winemaker Tony Rynders' new wines: his 2013 French Creek Chardonnay and his 2013 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir. The Carter Vineyard Pinot is a collaboration with Ken Wright, Founder of Panther Creek, using the founder's own grapes.

"I am glad that Ken was open to the idea of collaborating on a wine for Panther Creek, a winery he started over 25 years ago," commented Tony Rynders, Panther Creek Cellars' Consulting Winemaker. "He is growing Pinot Noir grapes from the historic Carter Vineyard, one of the original vineyards, while I am making the wine.  We have been friends and colleagues for many years, and an opportunity to further our relationship is very rewarding.  This endeavor captures the spirit of the Oregon wine industry."

"Tony and Ken have a history of collaboration," commented Sam Bronfman, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Bacchus Capital, owner of Panther Creek Cellars. "We are eager to further that relationship and to continue the tradition of Panther Creek's outstanding wines."

During the celebration, in addition to offering future sales on Tony's new wines in barrel, the winery will host a one-time only pre-release of its 2012 Lazy River Pinot Noir (100 cases) and the 2012 Reserve Pinot Noir (less than 125 cases). Light bites and a selection of library wines dating back to 1990 will be served. Select library and large format library wines will also be available for purchase.

"Our magnums were last made in 2008," commented Quinton Jay, President of Panther Creek. "This grand opening event is a wonderful opportunity to experience Panther Creek Cellars – its history, its present and its amazing future."

"At Bacchus, we're proud to support our wineries' growth opportunities,' said Peter Kaufman, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Bacchus. "That includes recruiting top talent, enhancing facilities and making great wine long term',

June 14^th Tasting Room hours are 10:00am – 5:00pm.

Entrance to the Grand Opening Celebration and Tasting is complimentary.

Special Events and Offerings throughout the Summer at Panther Creek Cellars

Throughout the summer, the new Tasting Room will offer unique wine flights and selections for purchase.  

Reserve and cellar wine tastings are by appointment only.

Hours of Operation

Daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

July 4^th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Call or email Christie Shertzer for information.

Telephone: (503) 472-8080 or [email protected]

Secret Cellar Saturdays

On select Saturdays this summer, Panther Creek will be offering unique selections of celebrated bottlings, little known and hard to find. The offer will be unveiled early on the Saturday mornings via email and on facebook and will be available on a first come first serve basis. Wine club members will receive a pre-notification with preferential ordering.

About Panther Creek Cellars

Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Panther Creek Cellars has been producing signature Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay wines since 1986. Founded by the renowned winemaker Ken Wright, Panther Creek has been recognized for its signature blends as well as single vineyard designate wines. The winery has been credited by Robert Parker as "producing some of Oregon's most concentrated and age worthy wines." From 2013 onward, the Panther Creek wines have been made by the highly acclaimed Tony Rynders.

For more information, visit www.panthercreekcellars.com

About Bacchus Capital Management

Bacchus Capital Management is an investment firm providing strategic capital and making equity investments in United States wineries and wine businesses.

Current Bacchus portfolio companies are: DeLille Cellars, the renowned Washington state winery co-founded by acclaimed winemaker Chris Upchurch; Madrigal Family Winery, a recognized Napa Valley winery located on Highway 29; Maritime Wine Trading Collective, a leading boutique wine import, production, and distribution company; Panther Creek Cellars, a historic Oregon winery founded by Ken Wright; Sbragia Family Vineyards, the Dry Creek Valley winery founded by world-class winemaker Ed Sbragia; Wine by Joe / Dobbes Family Estate, one of the largest wine producers in Oregon.

Prior Bacchus portfolio companies are Andretti Winery, a well-known Napa winery founded by Mario Andretti, Cameron Hughes Wine, one of America's fastest growing wine businesses and Qupé, a leading Central Coast winery.

For more information, visit www.bacchuswinefund.com

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SOURCE Panther Creek Cellars