LARKSPUR, Calif., July 1, 2024 — O’Neill Vintners & Distillers has acquired Substance Wines, the highly awarded, top selling Washington brand founded by visionary wine veteran Charles Smith. The acquisition of Substance further strengthens O’Neill Vintners & Distillers offerings in the growing ultra-premium wine segment and represents the first Washington based wine brand in its consumer portfolio.“For the past 20 years, our focus has been to build a portfolio of great consumer-led brands that appeal to the modern wine drinker,” said Jeff O’Neill, Founder and CEO of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers. “With Substance, Charles Smith has tapped into the ethos of Washington winemaking and built critically acclaimed wines that deliver the essence of Washington’s terroir. We see tremendous opportunity to engage new consumers through this amazing brand and we look forward to crafting future vintages that continue to deliver exceptional quality wines that surprise and delight consumers.”
Introduced in 2015, the Substance brand was conceived by Smith with the goal of producing the best ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon in America. Substance wines are crafted using small batch winemaking techniques, including natural fermentations, barrel-aging and bottling unfiltered to deliver exceptional quality. The brand is also known for its transparent approach to how it communicates with consumers, a natural fit with O’Neill’s existing portfolio focused on overdelivering quality, B Corp certified, consumer driven wine brands.
“Our goal from the beginning was to create the finest Washington Cabernet Sauvignon at an amazing price point,” said Smith. “Substance has grown exponentially because of our singular focus on terroir and winemaking protocols. Sustainability focused O’Neill Vintners & Distillers will take this brand to the next level of sales and distribution. It is in great hands for continued success.”
Substance produces Washington appellated wines with an SRP of $14 to $20 including: Substance ‘Cs’ Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘Sb’ Sauvignon Blanc, ‘Pn’ Pinot Noir, ‘Ch’ Chardonnay, ‘Rb’ Red Blend, and the single-vineyard Substance Vineyard Collection. Additionally, Substance was named a 2022 Impact “Hot Prospect Brand” by M. Shanken Communications.
Substance Wines are available at select retailers and restaurants nationwide.
About O’Neill Vintners & Distillers
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, a Certified B Corporation, was founded in 2004 by industry leader and entrepreneur Jeff O’Neill. For 20 years, the vertically integrated winery has produced premium wine and spirits throughout California and has a reputation for producing consumer-focused brands while being a leader in sustainability. O’Neill received the Green Medal Leader Award in 2021 by the Wine Institute and achieved B Corp Certification in 2022. The company currently operates in Larkspur, Parlier, Sonoma, and Paso Robles, CA, and has grown a national brands portfolio to include Line 39, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble Wines, Charles Woodson’s Intercept, FitVine Wine, Robert Hall Winery, Allegro Cellars, Ram’s Gate Winery, Substance Wines and BrandyLab. For more information, please visit www.ONeillWine.com.
About House of Smith
House of Smith is the largest independent, winemaker-owned winery in Washington State. Founded and operated by visionary winemaker Charles Smith, it encompasses brands K Vintners, Casasmith, SIXTO, and Golden West. Charles began his winemaking career in Walla Walla in 1999 and quickly gained acclaim, with over 300 wines rated 95+ points and more than 1,400 rated 90+ points by leading publications. Known for his innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit, Charles successfully developed and sold notable brands such as House Wine (2004) and Charles Smith Wines (2016). His achievements include three ‘Winemaker of the Year’ awards and the rare distinction of receiving a 100-point score, solidifying his place among America’s top winemakers. For more information visit www.HouseofSmith.com.
