South Willamette Valley, Oregon, September 12, 2025
News Summary
WarRoom Cellars, a California wine company, has acquired Iris Vineyards located in the South Willamette Valley, Oregon. This acquisition, involving the esteemed brand known for its pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay, marks a significant step for WarRoom’s expansion into Oregon’s wine market. Former owners Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles will retain their vineyards but will sell the winery and its inventory. This strategic move reflects a growing trend in the wine industry towards consolidation amid shifting consumer preferences.
Oregon – WarRoom Cellars, a well-established California wine company, has announced its acquisition of Iris Vineyards, a cherished brand located in the South Willamette Valley, Oregon. This strategic move brings together a 25-year-old winery with a robust portfolio of wines, mainly focusing on pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay sourced from the prestigious Willamette Valley appellation.
As part of the transition, the current owners of Iris Vineyards, Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles, both aged 68, have decided to sell their business. The acquisition includes the Cottage Grove winery and its existing inventory, although the specific financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
Frye and Boyles have been considering the sale for some time and concluded that due to the current buyers’ market for wine properties, their best option for exiting the business was to separate the brand from the winery. Following the acquisition, Frye and Boyles will continue to own their vineyards and the estate where they currently reside, ensuring that they maintain a connection to the land they have worked for years.
To facilitate the transaction, Andy Steinman of Global Wine Partners provided advisory services. He will also assist Frye and Boyles in finding a prospective buyer for their production facility, which is now separate from the Iris brand.
WarRoom Cellars intends to develop Iris Vineyards as its first brand from Oregon, augmenting its predominantly California-focused portfolio, which also includes a selection from Washington state. The portfolio of WarRoom Cellars features several recognized names in the wine industry, including Bonny Doon Vineyard, Lapis Luna, Lyeth Estate, Parducci Cellars, and Toad Hollow Vineyards.
The acquisition marks a significant development for both WarRoom Cellars and Iris Vineyards, as it merges resources and expertise to potentially enhance the offerings of both brands. As WarRoom Cellars continues to grow its reach in the wine scene, this move reflects an ongoing trend of consolidation within the industry, driven by changing consumer preferences and market realities.
In summary, WarRoom Cellars has taken a notable step in expanding its brand presence by acquiring Iris Vineyards. This transaction signifies a new chapter for the historic winery, while Frye and Boyles prepare for their next steps after decades in the wine industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was acquired by WarRoom Cellars?
WarRoom Cellars acquired Iris Vineyards, including its brand, winery, and inventory focused on pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay from Willamette Valley.
Who are the previous owners of Iris Vineyards?
Iris Vineyards was previously owned by Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles, both aged 68, who have decided to sell the business.
What are the plans for Iris Vineyards after the acquisition?
WarRoom Cellars plans to develop Iris Vineyards as its first Oregon brand while maintaining a diverse portfolio that includes California and Washington wines.
Will the previous owners remain connected to the winery?
Yes, Frye and Boyles will continue to own their vineyards and the estate, ensuring they remain connected to the land.
Key Features of WarRoom Cellars Acquisition
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Company Acquired | Iris Vineyards |
| Location | South Willamette Valley, Oregon |
| Key Wines | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay |
| Previous Owners | Pamela Frye and Richard Boyles |
| Advisory Firm | Global Wine Partners |
| WarRoom Portfolio | Includes brands like Bonny Doon Vineyard and others |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KGW: Willamette Valley Vineyard Acquired
- Oregon Live: Ste Michelle Wine Estates Purchases A to Z Wineworks
- GlobeNewswire: Stoller Wine Group Acquires Elouan
- Wine Business: News Article
- Google Search: Oregon wine industry
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
