

Three winemakers and another leader from Woodinville-based Avallé are joining Mercer Wine Estates. From left, Richard Hoff, Andy Ferguson, Brenda Mercer, Hal Iverson, Alex Stewart, Jen Bell, Rob Mercer, Reagan Mercer, John Derrick.
Photo courtesy of Mercer Wine EstatesOne of the Mid-Columbia's oldest wineries is growing its portfolio and pool of expert winemakers.
Mercer Wine Estates of Prosser recently announced it has acquired four wine brands from Woodinville-based Avallé. The acquisition also will bring the team of Avallé winemakers behind those brands into Mercer with another company executive also joining Mercer to lead its wine division.
“We believe Washington has some of the most compelling vineyards and winemaking talent in the world, and this acquisition shows our commitment to that future,” said Rob Mercer, president of Mercer Ranches. “We know these vineyards, we know these wines, and we believe strongly in the teams behind them. We are grateful to Avallé for their efforts to build these brands, and our goal is to continue showing how great the wines from the Columbia Valley can be.”
The four Avallé brands going to Mercer are Matthews, Tenor, Jaine and Single Barrel. While Single Barrel is built around wines throughout Washington state viticulture, the other three are all produced via the Columbia Valley. The team currently behind them – Alex Stewart, Hal Iverson and Andy Ferguson – will bring their decades of combined experience to Mercer while Jen Bell, who has served as chief operating officer at Avallé since 2024, will contribute her expertise in portfolio strategy and wine operations.
“Maintaining continuity was critical,” Mercer said. “The people behind these wines matter. This transition allows us to preserve what works while giving the brands a strong foundation for the future.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
