The move will provide further growth for the family – owned company
January 31, 2019, Dayton, OR – In a move to further strategic diversification across various price points and distribution models, the Stoller Wine Group announced the launch of its newest brand, Chemistry Wine, and the appointment of three new regional sales managers.
“Chemistry is the first collaboration between the Stoller Family Estate and Chehalem winemaking teams,” said Bill Stoller, owner and founder of the Stoller Wine Group. “As our teams primarily craft estate-grown wines, the Chemistry brand allows for creative exploration of the Willamette Valley AVA and a chance to work with the outstanding quality of fruit grown here.”
Identifying the opportunity to craft wines that reflect the depth and quality for which the Willamette Valley is known, Chemistry allows our winemaking teams to bond over the diverse vineyard sites across the region. Priced in the $14 – $18 range, Chemistry wines are designed for the weekly wine drinker with the belief that everyone should have access to high-quality Willamette Valley wines.
“As our company continues to grow, it’s my pleasure to announce the addition of allstar veterans to our national sales team,” said Gary Mortensen, president of the Stoller Wine Group. “Shannon Berndt, Pat Hiley and Bryan Schoen will join Director of National Brand Cory Davis to help grow our family of brands across the country under the leadership of Bill Hanson.”
Shannon Berndt has 16 years’ experience working for large distributors and suppliers. In her role, Shannon will oversee the Southwest region and national accounts. She currently lives in Austin with her husband, two children, and massive dog, Jack.
Pat Hiley’s 25-year career in the wine industry spans work in retail, restaurant, and distribution. In his role, Pat will oversee the Southeast region. He currently lives in Atlanta with his wife and three children.
Bryan Schoen has 16 years’ experience in wine and spirits, focusing on distribution in the on- and off-premise channels. In his role, Bryan will oversee the Midwest region. He currently lives in Minneapolis with his wife, and two children.
“This is an exciting time for our company,” said Bill Hanson, vice president of national sales. “We have built a great team to drive the growth of our business with a suite of four brands, each based on various price points, appellations, packaging and customer lifestyles.”
About Stoller Wine Group
Stoller Wine Group is a family of wine brands from Oregon wine pioneer, Bill Stoller. Its brands and products are based on various price points and distribution models. They include Stoller Family Estate, Chehalem Winery, History, Canned Oregon, and Chemistry. Fun, fast-paced, and progressive, the Stoller Wine Group is always seeking to improve its brands, and company, with a lens towards sustainability.
About Stoller Family Estate
Stoller Family Estate is one of the most highly regarded vineyards and wineries in Oregon. Pioneering Oregonian and Founder Bill Stoller purchased his family’s second-generation farm in 1993 with the vision of cultivating an enduring legacy for the land and Oregon wine industry. Over the last 25 years, he has patiently transformed the 400-acre property into the largest contiguous vineyard in the Dundee Hills. Stoller Family Estate features the world’s first LEED® Gold certified winery, three guest homes and a state of the art tasting room with panoramic vineyard views. Stoller Family Estate has been named Best Tasting Room in the Nation by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Poll in 2018, and Oregon’s Most Admired Winery by the Portland Business Journal for four consecutive years. For more information, visit www.stollerfamilyestate.com.
About Chehalem Winery
You learn a lot about wine when you’ve been making it since 1990. This unparalleled experience allows us to make classic Oregon wines – wines we’re proud to share. With three unique estate vineyards planted in three distinct designated winegrowing regions of the Willamette Valley AVA, our rich history of innovation, sustainability, and exceptional quality wines is undeniable. A staple of the Downtown Newberg wine scene since 1995, our Tasting Room is open seven days a week. For more information, visit www.chehalemwines.com.
About Chemistry
Chemistry is the first collaborative project between Stoller Family Estate and Chehalem Winery. Identifying the opportunity to craft wines that reflect the purity and depth of their Willamette Valley origins, Chemistry allowed our winemaking teams to bond over working with diverse vineyards sites across the region. Balanced, approachable and elegant, our goal is to make the winemaking imprint as minimal as possible in order to reflect the purity of fruit for which Willamette Valley is known. For more information, visit www.chemistrywine.com.
About Canned Oregon
Canned wines are catching fire because the next generation of wine drinkers care about portability as much as they do about quality and value. Canned Oregon is a new brand that was born from the idea that wine should complement every lifestyle you lead. Whether exploring the mountain, relaxing at the beach, or in the city with friends, Canned Oregon evokes a sense of place, adventure and the endless ways you can experience the Oregon life…wherever you may be. For more information, visit www.cannedoregon.com.
