Willakenzie Estate is Latest Purchase of California's Jackson Family Wines

Willakenzie Estate, one of the mainstay wineries of the Willamette Valley, has become the latest to be scooped up California wine giant, Jackson Family Wines.

A price has not been publicized for the deal, which is expected to close on Wednesday. Willakenzie is second Oregon winery to be purchased this year by the Santa Rosa based giant.

In April, Jackson Family Wines also bought Penner-Ash Wine Cellars. Both Penner-Ash and Willakenzie have very strong reputations for Pinot Noir, a category whose growth shows no signs of slowing. Oregon has developed an international reputation for the quality of its pinot noirs.

Willakenzie, which was started by Bernard Lacroute who grew up in Burguny, bottled its first wine in 1995.

In addition to the brand, Jackson Family Wines is purchasing 125 acres in Dundee Hills and the Yamhill-Carlton region as well as the winery and tasting room.

Photo Willakenzie Estates