Oregon custom crush operation expands into sparkling wine
Willamette Valley-based business Vinovate Custom Wine Services has acquired traditional method production specialist Radiant Sparkling Wine Company.
Vinovate co-founder Rob Townsend told the drinks business that Radiant’s reputation was key draw: “Radiant has played a key role in growing Oregon’s sparkling wine movement for over a decade, producing for more than 40 wineries and earning industry recognition for its mobile tirage and bottling services.”
“Through ongoing conversations,” continued Townsend, “it became clear that Radiant was operating at full capacity. Joining forces was a natural next step. Combining Radiant’s expertise and mobile capabilities with Vinovate’s additional capacity and full service expertise felt like an ideal fit. This partnership allows us to build on Radiant’s legacy and expand what’s possible for Oregon sparkling producers, offering support from grape to finished sparkling wine and providing turnkey solutions for anyone needing sparkling wine services.”
Townsend revealed that that the plan is for Radiant Sparkling Wine Company to retain its facility in McMinnville, in Yamhill County, with the “same team and equipment” but “supplemented by Vinovate’s sparkling team and equipment allowing us to support growth by existing customers and new customer acquisition”.
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“In addition,” he said, “Vinovate offers expanded complementary services like on-site gravity flow crush, primary fermentation, base wine production, tirage, riddling, disgorgement, and bottling, creating Oregon’s first end-to-end sparkling wine service provider, giving producers more flexibility, capacity, and support under one collaborative umbrella.”
There are plans to increase production capacity between Radiant Sparkling Wine Company’s current level of around 40,000 cases, a plan which Townsend said was a “key part” of the acquisition: “Radiant has been at full capacity for a while due to high demand, and we want to grow in a way that supports both current clients and new producers. With Vinovate’s facilities and resources, we’re ready to scale while keeping the quality and hands-on approach both teams are known for.”
The University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement estimated that between 8 and 10% of the cases of Oregonian wine sold in 2023 were sparkling, but, according to Townsend, fizz from the state, and Willamette Valley in particular, could have a big commercial future.
“Oregon has everything it takes to make great sparkling wine: a cool climate, outstanding vineyards, and a driven and passionate community of producers,” he argued. “There’s serious talent here in the sparkling winemaking community, from PhD scientists to business thought leaders. This summer, 22 producers of traditional method sparkling wine will come together for the biggest event yet called Method Oregon Grand Tasting. As more winemakers get involved and recognition grows, so will the market for Willamette Valley sparkling.”
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