Foley Family Wines buys its first distillery

Sonoma Valley-based Foley Family Wines (FFW) has moved into spirits after acquiring a distillery in Nevada, US.

Family-owned FFW, based in California’s Sonoma Valley, has taken over the operation of Bently Heritage Estate Distillery in Minden, Nevada.

The distillery, which was opened in 2019 by Minden native Christopher Bently, was put up for sale last year.

“Foley Family Wines has been expanding our luxury portfolio of wines since 1996, and we are eager to launch a full range of high-end spirits,” said Shawn Schiffer, FFW president.

“As the demand for spirits continues to grow and the consumer profile evolves, this is a strategic step for us. We look forward to integrating spirits brands into our national distribution network and to continuing the important vision of the Bently family.”

Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed, but it includes the site’s existing inventory of Bourbon, single malt whiskey and rye whiskey.

The facility includes an American whiskey and white spirits distillery, housed in a 100-year-old creamery, and a single malt distillery located in a 100-year-old flour mill.

Both buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.

The flour mill includes several tasting areas and will serve as a visitor centre.

FFW will produce spirits at the site using locally sourced grains.

“The Bently family, former owners of the distillery, restored these historic Minden sites to LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certification,” said Courtney Foley, second-generation vintner at FFW.

“Their legacy is in perfect alignment with our family’s commitment to community and sustainability across our vineyards and winery properties.”