Walla Walla, Wash. October 18th – One of Walla Walla’s most historic vineyards, Seven Hills Vineyard (over 170 acres in size) announced that Dennis Murphy, Owner and Winemaker at Caprio Cellars, reached an agreement to acquire the ownership interest of TIAA/NUVEEN/PCP Partners and the Figgins Family.
The negotiations to purchase the ownership interest of TIAA/NUVEEN/PCP Partners and the Figgins Family started in the summer of 2023 and closed on October 17, 2023. This ownership interest acquisition includes both the Seven Hills Vineyard as well as the SeVein Project. The acquisition of TIAA/NUVEEN/PCP ownership interest was solely by Murphy and the acquisition of the ownership interest of Figgins Family was a joint effort between Clubb, McKibben and Murphy.
“I am honored to be a part of, and continue, the legacy of one of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley,” said Dennis Murphy, Winemaker and Owner at Caprio Cellars. “Both Seven Hills Vineyard and SeVein are industry leaders in viticulture with their innovative technology and vineyard development. Their commitment to world-class vineyards and their unique mix of wine industry expertise have been instrumental in developing Walla Walla’s rich wine legacy. I look forward to partnering with the Marty Clubb, Norm McKibben and Bob Rupar in this exciting new venture as we continue to build on their successes.”
“After nearly 30 years of a great partnership with my friends Gary and Chris Figgins/Leonetti, I am excited to add Mr. Murphy as a partner,” said Marty Clubb, Partner. “I am confident Mr. Murphy alongside myself and our other partners McKibben and Rupar, will continue to honor and expand our legacy for many more years to come.”
For 30 years, Murphy, CEO of Hayden Homes, has been a home builder throughout the Pacific Northwest. As a passionate wine lover, he watched Walla Walla officially affirm its place as one of the premier wine producing regions in the world and was more than eager to become a part of its fast emerging tradition while showcasing his passions for world class Bordeaux inspired wine and honoring his family’s tradition and love for wine.
About Caprio
Caprio founder and winemaker, Dennis Murphy, came to the Walla Walla valley over 20 years ago in search of a premier location to showcase his passions for world class Bordeaux inspired wines, while honoring his family’s tradition and love for wine. Caprio’s vineyards are in the heart of the Walla Walla Valley. Each site enjoys sun exposure and vine-loving soil, yielding grapes of the highest quality and complexity for our estate wines.
About Seven Hills Vineyard
The original vineyard and heart of SeVein, Seven Hills, is one of the first commercial vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Seven Hills Vineyard was first planted in 1980 and then expanded in 1989. Norm McKibben purchased this 20-acre old block in 1994 and, in partnership with Gary Figgins, Marty Clubb, and Bob Rupar, expanded Seven Hills Vineyard in 1997 and 1998 to over 170 acres. The three partnering wineries collectively utilize 50 percent of the vineyard fruit, selling grapes to more than 25 other premium wineries.
About TIAA/NUVEEN/PCP
TIAA/Nuveen/PCP has supported the financial futures of millions of investors for over 120 years. Under the leadership of TIAA, created by Andrew Carnegie in 1918, with $1.3 Trillion assets under management (AUM), Nuveen invests in the growth of businesses, real estate, infrastructure, farmland and forests while building long-term relationships with clients from all over the globe.
