After four years working alongside the Dyson Family, the Faiveley family has purchased a majority holding in Williams Selyem Winery. The Dyson family will retain an important minority stake, together ensuring that the winery continues to thrive for decades to come.
Healdsburg, California – June 3, 2024 – After 25 years running Williams Selyem, John and Kathe Dyson have decided to transfer the majority of Williams Selyem to the Faiveley family. John Dyson stated: “Kathe and I have been looking for the perfect family to eventually succeed us. For many years, we have cherished and refined the winemaking legacy of Burt Williams and Ed Selyem. We have turned aside many offers from entities that did not share our passion and vision. With the Faiveley family, we have found the right partner with a long-term commitment, who shares our philosophy and themselves make among the world’s greatest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.”
For over a decade, The Faiveley family had been looking for a vineyard in the United States. Erwan Faiveley stated: “We have a long friendship and history with America, a passion for its wines and people. As Burgundians, we were looking to grow the best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the United States. Sonoma County, and especially Russian River Valley, was natural for us, and Williams Selyem has always been one of our favorite wineries. We are delighted and proud that John and Kathe gave us their trust.”
The Faiveley family purchased from the Dysons an important minority holding in Williams Selyem in 2020. This initial transaction was done with the eventual possibility of a smooth ownership transition in the future. Four years later, that future has arrived. The Dysons will retain an important minority stake and remain involved with Williams Selyem for years to come.
John Dyson will continue as chief executive reporting to Erwan Faiveley and will continue for at least three years directing the winery with the same vision and values. Director of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas remains in charge of all winemaking decisions and is devoted to continuing to craft wines that set the standard for excellence in California. All the existing staff will remain at the winery with the same dedication to service and producing handcrafted wines. Extra time, extra effort, extra manpower, less sleep, a near-fanatical attention to detail will remain William Selyem’s North Star.
Greatness in the bottle starts with greatness in the vineyard. During the Dyson ownership, Williams Selyem purchased four extraordinary vineyards in the Russian River Appellation, which will be owned by the winery and continue to provide fruit for it. Further, the many growers whose distinctive fruit has long been purchased by Williams Selyem will remain as dedicated suppliers for years to come.
John Dyson stated: “With the Faiveley family, renowned for their wines in Burgundy, we found the ideal successors, who have been at the top of the Burgundy wine world for seven generations.”
Regarding this important new step for the family, Erwan Faiveley stated: “We are delighted to be now the steward of Williams Selyem. After four years working alongside John, I am convinced we have found the perfect fit with the wines, the place, and the people. An exciting new chapter ahead of us!”
About Williams Selyem:
Founded 40 years ago by Burt Williams and Ed Selyem, Williams Selyem under the guidance of the Dyson family has continued to grow and make its stellar, award-winning wines. The winery is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley in California’s Sonoma County. It owns over 135 acres of prime Russian River Valley vineyards. The winery also buys fruit from the pre-eminent growers in Sonoma County and other vineyards following its moto: “Make the Best Wines from the Best Grapes from the Best Growers.”
About the Faiveley Family:
Based in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the heart of Burgundy, the Faiveley Family owns and cultivates over 120 hectares of vines in outstanding terroirs including 12 Grand Crus and 25 Premier Crus. Founded in 1825, the Domaine is run today by Eve & Erwan Faiveley, the 7th generation. Their aim is to craft wines that combine strength, finesse, and elegance.
