Jan. 4, 2021 (Walla Walla, Washington) – Two of Walla Walla’s leading family-owned and operated wineries jointly announce that Dennis Murphy, Owner and Winemaker at Caprio Cellars, reached an agreement to acquire ownership interest of Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars.
“While bittersweet, after more than 20 years of ownership, Diana, Travis and I are excited to transition our partnerships in Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars to Dennis Murphy,” said Ray Goff. Goff continued, “Mr. Murphy’s Caprio Cellars is similar with a family-owned and operated approach and has an established reputation for quality wine and exceptional hospitality. I know we are leaving our employees, distributors, customers, the wineries’ brands and reputations in good hands. Mr. Murphy, in partnership with the McKibben family and Pellet family are well positioned to shepherd these businesses forward in this dynamic industry.”
The negotiations to purchase the ownership interest of the Goff family started in the fall of 2020 and closed on December 31, 2020. This acquisition includes ownership interest in both the Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars facilities as well the estate vineyard in Walla Walla, with Tasting Rooms in Woodinville, Washington and Vancouver, Washington
“I am honored to be a part of, and continue, the legacy of these important Walla Walla wineries,” said Dennis Murphy, Winemaker and Owner at Caprio Cellars. “Both Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars are leaders in quality winemaking with their innovative technology and vineyard development. Their commitment to the Walla Walla Valley has helped define it as the great wine region it is. I look forward to partnering with the McKibben and Pellet families in this exciting new venture as we continue to build on their successes.”
This acquisition will allow for the future expansion and ongoing successes of these leading wine brands in the Walla Walla Valley. Mr. Murphy joins other Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars partners, Norm McKibben, Eric McKibben and Jean-Francois Pellet.
“Ray Goff has been a very important part of our history for over 20 years and was instrumental in creating the pioneering spirit that continues today with our dedication to crafting ultra-premium wines while building an enduring family business,” said the McKibben’s and Jean-Francois Pellet, partners at Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars. “We know Mr. Murphy exhibits the same pioneering spirit and passion for family traditions. We are excited to welcome him as a partner and look forward to new opportunities ahead.”
About Pepper Bridge Winery
Pepper Bridge Winery represents the pioneering spirit of the Walla Walla Valley. Family owned and operated, the winery is a leader in quality winemaking, innovative technology and vineyard development. For over twenty years their hard work and dedication to the Walla Walla Valley has helped define it as one of the great wine regions of the world.
Pepper Bridge Winery produces Bordeaux-style wines from its mature estate vineyards. Winemaker Jean-François Pellet blends his unique viticultural and winemaking skills with science and art to create distinctive, terroir-driven wines with a focus on quality and commitment to sustainability. Using traditional winemaking techniques, 100% French oak and 100% estate fruit from the Walla Walla Valley AVA, Pepper Bridge wines are collectibles that showcase complexity, structure and balance. Combining old-world philosophy with modern innovation, the brand has become an industry leader in crafting ultra-premium wines. www.pepperbridge.com
About Amavi Cellars
Amavi Cellars signifies love (amor) and life (vita) through our wines, which are 100% estate, 100% Certified Sustainable, and 100% Walla Walla Valley. We are dedicated to producing estate grown wines that showcase the distinct personality of this region. www.amavicellars.com
About Both Wineries
Quality, hospitality and sustainability are our underlying values. Our estate vineyards: Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Octave, Goff, Les Collines and Summit View, are farmed sustainably. We build up the soil’s health rather than deplete it and seek out earth-friendly alternatives to fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. We are committed to not only preserving, but also improving the land for future generations. And we insist on having a good time while we’re doing it all!
