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Wine Hooligans Shareholders Challenge Bronco’s Rushed Asset Auction, Cite Pattern of Governance Concerns
SANTA ROSA, CA — Minority shareholders of Wine Hooligans, LLC today announced their opposition to what they characterize as a severely flawed auction process for the company’s assets, scheduled for February 13 by Bronco Wine Company’s subsidiary, West Coast Credit Services. The shareholders detail a troubling pattern of corporate governance issues under Bronco’s new management that they believe has put shareholder value at risk.
“Just days ago, Bronco’s new CEO explicitly encouraged Wine Hooligans to proceed with business as usual, including signing new contracts and representing the company’s brands at the industry’s largest trade show,” said Mark Dawson, representing the minority shareholders. “On the very same day, without Wine Hooligan’s knowledge, they issued notices announcing this auction. This type of contradictory direction raises serious questions about their intent and their compliance with basic fiduciary duties.”
The shareholders outline multiple concerning actions by Bronco’s new management, including:
- Unilaterally removing and replacing board members in violation of the Operating Agreement
- Refusing to engage with or vote on viable proposals to address the company’s debt obligations
- Conducting an auction without proper asset disclosure or industry notification
- Failing to provide requested guidance on debt management despite the loan’s 2026 maturity date
- Encouraging new business commitments while simultaneously planning an immediate asset sale
A group of minority shareholders, working with Strategic Beverage Alliance, LLC, has proposed a solution that would protect all stakeholders. They have offered to pay a seven-figure premium above the $21 million opening bid, requesting only a standard four-week due diligence period – a basic requirement for any transaction of this magnitude.
“Wine Hooligans shareholders built these brands from the ground up into a successful 200,000-case national business,” Dawson added. “The current auction process appears designed to minimize rather than maximize shareholder value. They are prepared to pay a premium price, but we need reasonable time to complete proper due diligence.”
The timing is particularly concerning given recent upheaval in the wine industry. The shareholders emphasize that their goal is to preserve jobs, maintain vendor relationships, and ensure the continued growth of brands including Portlandia, while protecting the interests of all stakeholders.
The minority shareholders have put Bronco on notice regarding these governance issues and are evaluating all available legal options while remaining open to constructive dialogue to resolve the situation.
About Wine Hooligans
Wine Hooligans, LLC is a craft wine company representing a portfolio of distinctive brands including Portlandia, Broadside, and other respected labels. The company maintains national distribution relationships and has built a reputation for quality and innovation in the wine industry.
JOIN US AT UNIFIED WINE & GRAPE SYMPOSIUM 2025
Join us at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium at booth #A2418 on January 29-30, and explore how we can help your brand!
We craft custom Private Label & Low MOQ White Label wines, low & no alcohol beverages, & de-alcoholization solutions tailored to your needs. From traditional wines to ready-to-drink options, we offer a full suite of services, including:
- PRIVATE LABEL CREATION & LOW MOQ WHITE LABEL WINES
- NO & LOW ALC WINES & BEVERAGES
- READY-TO-DRINK & CRAFT BEVERAGES
- BOTTLING & CANNING
- DE-ALC. SERVICES
- BULK SPIRITS
- WINEMAKING, LAB & CELLAR SERVICES
- GRAPHIC DESIGN
- SOURCING & PROCUREMENT
- TTB COMPLIANCE & APO2 HOSTING
- STORAGE & MORE!
Visit booth #A2418 @unifiedwineandgrapesymposium to learn how Wine Hooligans | BevZero US can partner with you to create exceptional products.
Register now at unifiedsymposium.org We can’t wait to see you there!
#uwgs #unified #wineandgrapes #bytheindustryfortheindustry
Discover How Wine Hooligans | BevZero-US Is at the Forefront of Innovation in the Wine Industry
Wine Hooligans' services are designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers, ensuring your products stand out in a competitive market.
Comprehensive Services: Learn about our extensive range of winery services, including contract bottling/canning, winemaking, de-alcoholization, APO2 hosting, and more. We offer a customizable suite of services tailored to expedite your project’s market launch.
Expert Partnerships: Meet our team of experts and explore how we can partner with established brands and new product developers. We are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of product development and market entry.
Customizable Offerings: Experience firsthand how our services can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re looking for white label solutions, design services, or sourcing for wine and dry goods.
Stay Ahead of Trends: Gain insights into current consumer trends and preferences, and learn how our innovative services can help you stay ahead in the market.
Flexible Solutions: Our wide array of services means we can cater to businesses of all sizes, from boutique wineries to larger brands, ensuring everyone finds the right solution.
Don’t miss the chance to explore how Wine Hooligans | BevZero-US can support your business growth and innovation at booths #150 & #148 at the 2025 WIN Expo!
Wine Hooligans | BevZero-US is committed to innovation and growth, offering an expanded suite of winery services and capabilities that cater to evolving consumer trends and demands. With a comprehensive range of Custom Wine & De-Alcoholization Services, Wine Hooligans | BevZero-US collaborates with established brands and new product developers offering an ala-carte suite of services to bring your project to market quickly. Available services include - Contract Bottling, Winemaking, De-Alcoholization, Canning, Pasteurization, Sourcing for both Wine & Dry Goods, White Label & Private Label, Design, APO2 Hosting and more!
No/Low Key Market Trends - Beverage Trade Network Interview with Wine Hooligans/BevZero US
In a recent interview with Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, Pat Morgan, Vice President at Wine Hooligans and BevZero US, discussed the growing demand for no and low-alcohol wines. Additionally, Cameron Caldwell, US Director of Operations at BevZero, walks the viewer through the BevZero US Service facility to show the de-alcoholization and other equipment and to provide details on the processes.
Wine Hooligans, known for its bold and innovative approach to winemaking, actively taps into this growing category by expanding its custom wine services to include no/low-alcohol wines. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier options, Wine Hooligans focuses on delivering high-quality, flavorful wines that align with evolving consumer tastes and trends.
Pat, in his role at BevZero US, also explains how de-alcoholization technology supports the creation of non-alcoholic wines without compromising on flavor. By leveraging BevZero’s capabilities, Wine Hooligans ensures that its non-alcoholic wine offerings meet market demands while maintaining its reputation for quality.
With the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, Wine Hooligans continues to innovate and meet consumer expectations, helping drive the growing no/low-alcohol wine category forward.
For more information, visit Wine Hooligans in December at the WINExpo in Santa Rosa, at booth #150 & BevZero in #148. Use our promo code WIN150 to register for our session "Embracing the Trend: Unlocking Opportunities with Low and No Alcohol Wines" to learn more. Space is limited, sign up now so you don’t miss out!
Embrace the No and Low Alcohol Wine Trend with Wine Hooligans at WIN Expo
Get ready to sip, savor, and discover! Join us at the 2024 WINExpo and make sure to stop by the Wine Hooligans/BevZero booth. Experience our innovative wines and learn about the latest in beverage technology. Don't miss out, plan your visit now! Be sure to use our promo code WIN150 to register for our session "Embracing the Trend: Unlocking Opportunities with Low and No Alcohol Wines" to learn more. Sign up here.
#WINExpo2024 #WineHooligans #BevZero #WineLovers
Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buy of 2024 - Portlandia Pinot Gris
Portlandia Wine is thrilled to announce that our 2022 Pinot Gris has been honored with a spot on Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious Top 100 Best Buy list for 2024. This recognition highlights our commitment to producing exceptional wines that offer outstanding quality and value.
Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Best Buy list is a highly respected guide for wine lovers seeking excellent wines at affordable prices. This accolade is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented winemaking team.
“We are incredibly proud to be included in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Best Buy list,” said Adam Lazarre, Director of Winemaking at Portlandia. “Our goal has always been to create wines that reflect the Pacific Northwest's unique terroir and provide exceptional value to our customers. This recognition reinforces our commitment to that mission.”
Portlandia Pinot Gris is known for its crisp and refreshing profile, and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for any season.
The 2022 Portlandia Pinot Gris is available at select retailers nationwide and through our online store at Portlandia. We invite wine lovers to experience the quality and value that have earned this wine a place among the best.
Portlandia Wine Receives Shanken Hot Prospects Award 2023!
Portlandia is thrilled to announce that we have received the prestigious Shanken Hot Prospects Award for 2023. Achieving this recognition for two consecutive years is a remarkable achievement! With our Columbia Valley Cabernet and Oregon Pinot Noir driving growth in their respective categories, alongside the rising popularity of our Pinot Gris, Red Blend, Rosé, Sparkling wines, and the newest addition, Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc, we are confident that even greater successes lie ahead. A toast to the incredible team that made this possible!
Play Hard. Work Later!
Exciting New Cooperative Venture Capitalizes on Rising Popularity of Low and No Alcohol Wines
Wine Hooligans, the renowned producer of acclaimed wine brands and top-tier services provider for the industry, recently announced an innovative business venture with BevZero, a global leader in the de-alcoholization and beverage services sector for the US and beyond.
Under the deal, Wine Hooligans becomes the sole operations and production licensee of BevZero Services in the United States.
The move allows BevZero to focus on the expansion of its equipment sales and distribution business, yet still maintain a financial interest in the services operations now led by Wine Hooligans. BevZero Services in Spain and South Africa will continue business as usual.
For its part, Wine Hooligans can now leverage BevZero’s cutting-edge Spinning Cone Column technology to offer an end-to-end services suite for clients eager to venture into the rapidly expanding low and no alcohol market.
“Sober October and Dry January are becoming increasingly popular themes throughout our country and beyond,” notes Wine Hooligan COO Patrick Morgan. “As a result, low to no alcohol is one of the fastest growing segments in the wine world today.”
Patrick Morgan, Wine Hooligans, VP/COO
According to Morgan, Wine Hooligan’s highly regarded one-stop-shop operation is especially beneficial for producers interested in developing the increasingly sought after de-alcoholized beverages. “We offer a full suite of services to our customers: we can source your bulk wine, create & produce your labels, procure all your glass & dry goods, de-alc, blend, filter & bottle your wine. We even have a warehouse solution if required”, says Morgan.
The chemistry in this process is a critical step. “When you take alcohol out of wine, the possibility of bacterial and microbial growth is heightened. If you’re not prepared, you’re risking your entire lot of wine,” Morgan points out. “We have a solid team of professionals under one roof able to do the extensive testing and chemical analysis required to do the job right, and in a matter of days – minimizing any downside.”
Nicholas Miller is the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and EVP of the Miller Family Wine Company located along the Central Coast of California in the Paso Robles wine region.
His company produces th3e highly regarded Hand on Heart non-alcoholic wine brand, a food-friendly product created from premium grapes sourced throughout California with the alcohol removed, post fermentation.
Miller could not be happier with the cooperative venture between BevZero and Wine Hooligans, which he says, has created a streamlined, one-facing organization.
“We think very highly of both organizations,” Miller testifies. “We weren’t necessarily tied to the Santa Rosa area; we wanted to work with whoever could do the best job, post production. That turned out to be Wine Hooligans.
“They know what we want, they know the business. To have both companies working together is a real benefit to us. It creates the space for improvement; a truly collaborative environment.”
Jessica Smith is a winemaker and Director of Operations at Surely Wines, producers of award-winning, sparkling rosés and a portfolio of other extremely popular non-alcoholic California wine varieties.
Smith worked as an employee at BevZero for just under a decade before moving over to Surely Wines and has the utmost respect for its organization and people.
Similarly, she has used Wine Hooligans for its stellar packaging services and is extremely happy with the new collaboration between the two companies.
Wine Hooligans Bottling Line “We’re moving all still beverage packaging over to them, including our new innovative brand,” Smith attests. “This really improves communication. The synergy between departments now gets everybody on the same page.”
“It really is a big deal with Wine Hooligans,” Smith continues. “The business is professional with a focus on customer service and timeliness. One hundred percent of the time, I get a same day response if I have any questions or concerns. I know things will be taken care of before problems come up, which gives me peace of mind.”
For more information on the Wine Hooligans/BevZero collaboration or to request services, go to: https://winehooligans.com.
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Wine Hooligans Assumes US Service Operations of Industry Leader BevZero, Launches Complete End-to-End Solution for Low- and No-Alcohol Brands
Wine Hooligans Assumes US Service Operations of Industry Leader BevZero, Launches End-to-End Solution for Low- & No-Alcohol Brands - Wine Hooligans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Santa Rosa, CA July/18/2024 Wine Hooligans, an innovative force in the wine industry, proudly announces they are the sole operations and production licensee of BevZero Services in the US, a pioneering entity in the de-alcoholization sector. In the US, BevZero will now focus on the expansion of its equipment sales []
Talking Paso Robles & Blackletter Cab with Director of Winemaking, Adam LaZarre
The recent Wine Enthusiast 95pts score for the 2020 Blackletter Paso Robles Cab was no surprise to Wine Hooligans Director of Winemaking, Adam LaZarre. We sat down with him to chat about the wine and his view on Cabernet (& wines) from his home of Paso Robles.
WH: "Congratulations on the 95pts! We all knew it would do well when you were blending the 2020 and we tasted it together. What can you tell us about the 2020 Blackletter that may have made it such a successful vintage?"
AL: "As I’m sure you remember, 2020 was the year that California burst into flames. Many people are unaware that 2020 was looking like it could have been one of the greatest vintages of the past 30 years, prior to the fires breaking out. We had all the conditions for an unreal harvest: a long, cool growing season, tiny berries with thick skins, and maturity behind schedule by upwards of four weeks. We were all very optimistic. It’s kind of bad luck to predict a vintage’s quality before you harvest but there were a lot of whispers between winemakers. When the fires did hit, most industry people assumed that virtually every California appellation north of Santa Maria was wiped out, especially if you looked at the satellite imagery of the smoke. But not every vineyard was impacted in those areas that had seen smoke. As luck would have it, the mountain range that runs along Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County shorelines split the smoke from the north allowing many vineyards to escape the direct impact of the smoke. Plus, the sheer distance from the source of the fire to our vineyards rendered much of the offending smoke chemicals inert. We ran enough analysis on the grapes to know we were free of problems. Many winemakers did not however and opted not to pick that year which is a real shame. They’ll never know how great their wines could have been."
WH: "Looking at the big picture, what does the future hold for Paso Robles as a region, and for consumers?"
AL: "Goodness, it seems like only a couple of years ago that I had to explain to people when I traveled around the country helping sell our wine where Paso Robles was. It had always been about Napa or Sonoma. Not anymore. It’s taken awhile but the grape growing and winemaking are on par with the best in the world and the results are not just in our magazine scores, but in the magazines and newspapers themselves. When I moved here 21 years ago, the entire local wine industry would get excited when some publication ran a story about us. Now I can’t open my computer without seeing another feature story on the region and all the amenities that have popped up over the last 10 years. Many top wine companies, world-class winemakers, and viticulturists have migrated to the area attracted by the availability of relatively inexpensive property around here on which to build and plant. Add to that the fact that many wine fanatics from wealthy areas around California have migrated here and have brought with them a need for the great food and entertainment they had left behind, so there are way more places to visit and eat and drink than before. Paso Robles is fast becoming a well-known entity in the minds of the average consumer now and we won’t be going anywhere any time soon."
WH: "Thanks Adam. Paso Robles has proved itself as the hot spot for great CA wines. Congratulations again on the 95 points, it’s a killer cab!"
With consecutive and consistent scores well into the 90s, Blackletter continues to be a jewel in the Wine Hooligans portfolio, a testament to the skill and craft of Adam and the team.
So, what’s next for Blackletter? Without saying too much, we can tell you that exciting developments are on the horizon for Blackletter. We can't wait to share the fruits of our labor with you.
Cheers!
About
Wine Hooligans was founded in 2013 with one simple goal: develop & deliver cutting edge products in growth categories. To that goal, we’ve built an award-winning portfolio of National, Private Label & Control Brands that collectively sell 800,000 cases annually.
Custom Wine Bottling Located in the Heart of Sonoma County
Let us bring your wine concept to life with our comprehensive turnkey solution. Once you hand us your idea, we'll take care of everything else – from sourcing to production to warehousing – leaving you free to focus on sales. With a low MOQ of 560 cases, we offer a wide range of customizable services including procurement, graphic design, TTB compliance, AP02 hosting, blending, winemaking, cellar additions, oak barrels and alternatives, lab analysis, filtration, bottling and warehouse services. You can also take advantage of our buying power and existing contracts for glass, corks, capsules, screwcaps and labels.
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