Patterson Cellars acquires Tertulia Winery Facility and Whistling Hills Vineyard
Walla Walla, WA, February 16, 2022 - Longstanding Woodinville winery pioneer John Patterson, along with his partners, have acquired the Tertulia winery facility and adjacent Whistling Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla’s Southside winery district. The Tertulia wine brand and inventory were not included in the sale. METIS, the Northwest’s leading wine industry Mergers & Acquisitions firm, served as the exclusive transaction advisor.
This strategic acquisition enables Patterson to bring a significant portion of their wine production much closer to the growers and vineyards John has worked with for over thirty years, while also adding an estate vineyard to their portfolio. Patterson (who sells over 80% of their wine direct to consumers) will additionally gain a key retail location in one of the highest traffic areas of Walla Walla.
Tertulia Cellars, founded by Jim O’Connell in 2005, closed in late 2021 after over a decade as a popular destination for well crafted, estate grown wines. The former Tertulia facility will be re-branded as Patterson Cellars, Walla Walla and become Patterson’s 5th tasting room location and 2nd winemaking facility.
John founded Woodinville’s Patterson Cellars in 2000, after 13 years at Quilceda Creek. 2022 will be his 36th harvest in Washington. Patterson Cellars has become one of Woodinville’s most successful wineries, generating a large consumer following for wines that rival the best in the state while maintaining accessible pricing and a welcome-all attitude.
Heidi West, Director of Sales, Marketing & Operations with Patterson since 2017 is thrilled, "its truly a dream come true. We can't wait to immerse ourselves in the Walla Walla community and local industry. I'm excited for Patterson Wine Club members! We've always wanted to be able to offer them unique vineyard experiences."
While it’s a big flag to plant in Walla Walla, Patterson’s primary home will remain in Woodinville, where John is in his 9th year as President of Woodinville Wine Country and has been an integral part of the growth of the wine business in the area.
“Woodinville has been great for us, but the fruit has always come from the Eastside. Some of my favorite growers and vineyards are in Walla Walla – we already get about 20% of our fruit from there. We just love the wines, the people, the town. It’s a great wine community that we are humbled to become a part of,” said Patterson Cellars founder John Patterson. “I think some of my best wines are still in front of me. I’m excited we will have our own estate vineyard and such a well-designed winery facility in Walla Walla for the 2022 harvest. We can’t wait to bring the Patterson team and our customers along for the ride.”
About Patterson Cellars
Founded in 2000 by owner & winemaker, John Patterson, Patterson Cellars crafts approachable Washington State wines that reflect the new world style of winemaking. Prior to founding Patterson Cellars, John spent 13 years at Quilceda Creek. Patterson crafts a diverse collection of wines including robust red blends, elegant single varietals, classic whites, lively rosés, sparkling wines and lush dessert wines. Patterson operates 4 tasting rooms, each provides a unique wine tasting experience. The Woodinville locations include the Warehouse District Winery and Tasting Room, where guests can get a glimpse of the winemaking action; and the Hollywood Hill Tasting Room, which offers seated tastings and valley views from an enclosed, heated patio. The third tasting room is located on Front Street in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, where tastings are offered year-round! The Seattle tasting room brings wine country to the city in a modern, lofty space with outdoor seating. Soon to come will be Patterson’s fifth location in Walla Walla, located in the “Southside” winery district adjacent to their newly acquired Estate Vineyard and Walla Walla production facility. For more information about Patterson Cellars, please visit www.pattersoncellars.com.
About METIS
METIS is the premier mergers and acquisitions advisory firm in the Pacific Northwest focused on the global adult beverage and hospitality industries. METIS has been advising privately held businesses on capital transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and recapitalizations for over 30 years. For more information about METIS, please visit www.metisnw.com.
