TESTIMONIALS
“I have been fortunate to work with Erik and his team on two completed projects on behalf of Sagemoor Vineyards and Allan Bros. Erik brings a passion and persistence that is rare, but so valuable to clients. You know his, “get it done attitude” will prevail to get the results his clients are looking for in the relationship and process. If you are looking for the right team to find buyers or sellers, METIS will serve you well. METIS has the talent to provide expertise across the wine industry landscape from the vineyard to wine sales. I look forward to working with METIS on more projects…success brings opportunities.”
– Kent Waliser, Allan Bros. Inc / Sagemoor
"Chris, Erik, and the METIS team did a tremendous job on the sale of the Marcus Whitman Hotel. METIS’ attention to detail and knowledge of the hotel business was critical to getting this deal done - and done on schedule. They found the perfect investors and the perfect operator. It’s a special property, truly the Grande Dame of Walla Walla, and it’s gratifying to turn her over to folks who I have confidence will steward her well into the future. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome and would highly recommend METIS to any other hotel owner.”
- Kyle Mussman, Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center
“The sale of the Carlton Winemakers’ Studio would not have happened without the professionalism and far reaching contacts of the team at Metis. We had quietly attempted to sell the business over some time, but it was not until we engaged Metis that there was true potential to do so. CWS is a very unique place in the wine industry of Oregon and we never imagined we could find a buyer who would celebrate and appreciate the concept in the same way we had. From start to finish (and throughout a pandemic) Metis created materials, contacted potential buyers, negotiated the details and assisted in the eventual due diligence to create a happy outcome for both parties. We could not be more appreciative. We highly recommend anyone looking to sell or purchase in the NW wine business to contact the Metis team.”
- Luisa Ponzi, Ponzi Vineyards
“The METIS team exceeded our high expectations in virtually every aspect of this deal. METIS invested significant time early in our engagement getting to know us personally, understanding our business, and analyzing our finances to better support us. They created comprehensive marketing materials for prospective buyers and accurately and proactively represented us throughout the process. This up-front work proved invaluable as they worked to find us the perfect partner to help us grow our business while retaining our beloved Wits’ End Vineyard. The process wasn’t always easy, but the METIS’ team handled all of it with poise and professionalism. There is no-one more knowledgeable about the Pacific Northwest wine M&A market. We highly recommend Erik and his team to anyone looking to sell their wine business.”
- Rollin Soles and Corby Stonebraker-Soles, Owners and founders of ROCO Winery
“We chose to work with Metis because they were the best equipped and positioned firm to handle our vineyard transaction. They were thorough and professional throughout the successful process. Ultimately, buyer and seller walked away pleased with a win/win transaction.”
- Kevin and Carla Chambers, Owners and founders of Koosah Farm
“Erik and the entire team at METIS should be commended for their efforts in finding us a buyer who will continue our farming and winemaking philosophy at Johan. Organic and Biodynamic farming is not easy and takes a deep commitment. METIS stuck with us as we explored several possible transactions with multiple different buyers before finding the right party. They discretely navigated the process, allowing us to continue to focus on our operations while exploring a sale on our behalf. We are thrilled that the new owner will keep Johan Vineyards as a biodynamic farm and winery. I have no reservations recommending METIS to anyone in the wine industry who is exploring a sale. They earned our trust, handling everything with professionalism, but also with a personal touch. They knew what was important to us and worked tirelessly to achieve an outcome that we are thrilled with.”
– Dag Sundby, Owner and Founder of Johan Vineyards
"METIS was recommended to me for selling my winery and vineyard. I’m glad they were. They found us a great buyer and got us a great price. They marketed the property well, but it was their help through the diligence process that was invaluable. I live in Arizona, and having someone with feet on the ground that understands vineyards and winery facilities was priceless. They made the process smooth and timely."
– Jim O'Connell, Founder of Tertulia Cellars
"Creating a successful outcome in the vineyard and winery merger and acquisition space is not simple. Erik McLaughlin and his team at Metis, at their core, understand how to bring together all the right elements to create deals where everyone wins, which is what I believe happened in our acquisition of Tapteil vineyard. From market insights and intelligence, to persistence, follow through and execution of every important detail, this team is incredibly talented, well positioned, and experienced to deliver outstanding results for anyone looking to participate in the vital and exciting Northwest Wine Industry."
– Marty Taucher, Managing Partner, Avennia
“If you need guidance in selecting a firm to help you identify the “right” buyer and assist you in the process of completing the deal, use Metis. From the preparation of the property information package to preparing and negotiating a purchase and sale agreement, Erik, Will, Chris and other Metis team members provided us with valuable service. With their in-depth knowledge of the wine industry and deep experience in sales, mergers and acquisitions, the Metis team expertly guided us through the complicated process of selling our vineyard, winery and house in the Red Mountain AVA to a buyer who shares our excitement about the future.”
– Jane and Larry Pearson, Tapteil Vineyard & Winery
“We worked with the METIS team on a recent transaction where we were a counterparty to a seller they represented. We knew of their reputation for keen industry insight, broad depth of business knowledge, and strong deal making skills… and it is all well deserved. But it was their collaborative and solution focused approach in addressing the challenges of putting this deal together that was such a refreshing change from the normal gamesmanship and adversarial process. It was a true delight to work with their entire team. We are thrilled with the outcome, and I know their client is as well. I would highly recommend METIS to anyone in our industry who needs assistance with a sale, merger, or acquisition.”
– Alison Sokol Blosser-CEO of Sokol Blosser Winery
"It was a pleasure dealing with Erik and his team at Metis. They were professional and responsive every step of the way. Metis is wired into the community of buyers and that made us feel very comfortable that we would be able to attract the right buyer. They ran an excellent process. We are delighted that our friend Jesús Martínez Bujanda Mora, purchased the vineyard!"
– Steve Griessel of Betz Family Winery
“The METIS team exceeded our expectations on every aspect of the sale of our vineyard. From the preparation of the marketing materials, during negotiations, and throughout the due diligence period, each member of the METIS team was incredibly professional and thorough in helping us close this sale. But most importantly, they found us a buyer who shares our deep commitment to sustainability and will continue stewarding the Kalita Vineyard into the future. We are very pleased with the outcome of this transaction and would highly recommend METIS to anyone thinking of exploring a sale in the wine industry.”
– Arthur Kalita of Kalita Vineyard
"Our transaction with Erik McLaughlin from Metis was thoroughly professional. Metis has exceptional attention to detail and handled the process with precision. Erik immersed himself into our business and articulated a complex business transaction to a diverse group of interested parties. I now understand why he has so much respect among those interested in winery and vineyard acquisitions."
– David O'Reilly, Owner of Owen Roe Winery
“My friend David O’Reilly, who is as convinced as I am of just how special this vineyard is, recommended that I contact METIS to talk about options for the future. The METIS team not only took the time to really understand our property, they listened to our goals and needs for what a transition might look like and were able to market the property accordingly. They were acutely aware of our ideal terms for the sale and worked hard to ensure they were met. They brought us multiple offers and were able to negotiate a unique transaction that allowed us to retain our brand, which was our preference. METIS worked tirelessly through marketing, diligence, and closing in a timely and precise manner and we are thrilled with the result.”
– Steve Lutz, Founder Lenné Vineyard
“We have worked with Erik before. He understands our business and our objectives well, so I knew it would be worth our time when he asked me to take a serious look at Owen Roe. As always, he shepherded the transaction through with absolute integrity, providing the creativity and persistence necessary to build bridges between multiple parties.”
– Pat Roney, CEO of Vintage Wine Estates
“Erik and the team at Metis advised us expertly throughout the process. They brought multiple buyers to the table, found the right parties who would build on the legacy of the vineyard, and negotiated a deal that everyone was excited about. I don’t think this deal would have gotten done without their persistence, dedication to detail, and industry relationships.”
– Charlie Conner, Owner of Conner Lee Vineyard
“Metis’ persistence, determination, and professionalism throughout the entire process was instrumental in guiding us through this formidable process. Erik and his team knew we wanted to take care of our employees and our customers above all, and they helped us negotiate a deal that makes sense for everyone. We are turning over our company with peace of mind and we absolutely couldn’t have done this without them.”
– Ron Coleman, Founder of Tamarack Cellars
“Not only did Erik and the team find us the right buyers, they helped structure a creative and relatively complex transaction and then guided us through an extremely thorough diligence process. I don’t think this deal would have gotten done without their relationships, expertise, and persistence.”
– Howard Rossbach, President of Firesteed Corporation
“It was a pleasure working with Erik and his team at Metis. They were able to find the right partners and help us structure a very complex and creative transaction with utmost professionalism and confidentiality,”
– Ken Harrison, Founder of Abeja Winery and Inn
“Erik brings clear-eyed focus to a process that has many twists and turns. I’ve worked with him before and I’ll continue to work with him time and again because of his team’s expertise, persistence, and ability to bring people together to get a deal done.”
– John Oppenheimer, CEO of Columbia Hospitality
Any testimonials presented do not guarantee future performance or success