Evergreen Family the “largest family-owned grape-to-bottle wine company in Washington state”

Evergreen Family Wines has purchased Luke Wines. The purchase includes the brand and all inventory. It adds to Evergreen’s portfolio, which includes Milbrandt Family, Ryan Patrick, Alki, and others.

“Luke is a staple Washington wine at a premium price, not just in the Northwest but nationwide,” said Brandon Rice, who co-owns Evergreen Family Wines with Jerry Milbrandt. “We look forward to continuing to tell the Luke story.”

Thomas Vogele and his wife Kristin founded Luke Wines in 2012. The wines retail between $18 and $60 and have national and international distribution.

“This was about finding the right fit, a company that could take our brand on and take it to a whole different level,” Thomas Vogele said. Metis, a Pacific Northwest-based wine industry mergers and acquisitions firm, served as the exclusive transaction advisor.

A perfect pairing

The purchase seems like a perfect fit. Evergreen Family owns the vineyards that provide most of the fruit for the Luke wines. The Luke wines have been largely produced at Evergreen’s custom crush facilities. Vogele has been working with the Milbrandt family since 2006. Evergreen has the fruit, the facilities, and the sales muscle to promote, sustain, and grow Luke as an estate winery.

“Kristin and I are very excited to see what Evergreen does with the brand,” Vogele said. The couple, who are in their mid-50s, will continue to be involved with Luke for at least the next three years.

Brandon Rice, Evergreen Family Wines

“We know continuity is important,” Vogele said. “I don’t see myself ever retiring. I love this industry. I plan to continue to be committed to growing the Washington wine industry.”

With the sale, Luke will