Third Year Of Double Digit Growth And New Projects On The Horizon For Ackley Beverage Group

SEATTLE, Jan. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A month into the new year, Ackley Beverage Group reflects back on sustained growth in production and sales as well as key hires in 2018, setting the foundation for exciting opportunities in the near future.

Through capital investments, Ackley Beverage Group provided Montinore Estate with the capability to increase production by 25 percent in 2018 over 2017. Direct-to-consumer sales were up by 20 percent over the previous year. This was Montinore Estate's third consecutive year of revenue growth over 17 percent.

To help support the organization's growth, Ackley Beverage Group welcomed two new additions to the team: Sales Director Northwest, Colleen Berard, and Assistant Winemaker, Benjamin Eyer. Berard previously worked for Dusted Valley as the Regional Sales Manager. In her new role, Berard oversees wholesale and account relationships for the Ackley Beverage Group's portfolio of companies across several states, including two of their top markets.

Eyer worked at Rex Hill and A to Z Wineworks prior to his role as Assistant Winemaker at Montinore Estate. Eyer's responsibilities include laboratory quality control, winery database management and work order logistics, along with a greater role in tasting, final blending decisions and bottling management.

In 2018, Ackley Beverage Group also began the Biodynamic conversion process for Tidalstar Vineyard. The 30-acre organic vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton is planted almost entirely to Pinot Noir and is now a Demeter Certified Biodynamic® farm in conversion. The fruit from this exceptional grape-growing site will be used in a new luxury collection being developed by Ackley Beverage Group that will be launched later this year.

In the year ahead, Ackley Beverage Group is searching for a site in the Willamette Valley for an additional vineyard and production facility. This property will be the home of several premium wine brands and will allow for greater production capabilities to support the continued growth of their winery partners. They also continue to look for additional partnerships with well-established, well-respected wineries in Washington and Oregon that can benefit from their in-house expertise and capital.

About Ackley Beverage Group
Ackley Beverage Group, a Seattle-based family investment company dedicated to supporting premium wine brands throughout the Northwest, brings financial and professional resources to partners in the wine industry. They are committed to the continuity and stewardship of a winery's unique legacy, while providing the necessary resources for partners to reach their greatest potential. In addition to capital, the company provides professional support in management, operations, sales and marketing. Learn more at: www.ackleybeverage.com.

About Montinore Estate
Montinore Estate was established in 1982 and is now the largest estate producer of wines made from Biodynamic® grapes in the country. With a 200-acre Demeter Certified Biodynamic® and organic vineyard located in north Willamette Valley in Oregon, the winery focuses on producing superior Pinot Noirs, unique cool climate whites and exquisite Italian varietals. Montinore Estate's close attention to each step of the grape-growing and winemaking processes is rooted in the belief that exceptional wine is born of a sustained marriage of soil, climate and artful stewardship. To learn more, visit www.montinore.com.

SOURCE Ackley Beverage Group