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WarRoom Cellars acquires trio of Mendocino brands
Central Coast-based Californian group WarRoom Cellars has acquired the Parducci, Paul Dolan and True Grit brands from Mendocino Wine Company (MWC) for an undisclosed sum.
“Our strategy is to acquire wine brands and do a deep dive on the brand to understand what customers really love about it. Then we focus on and develop what customers really love about the brand.” – that is how WarRoom Cellars president Andrew Nelson summarised its approach in 2023, prior to the group (self-described as the “masters of guerrilla winefare”) acquiring Sonoma’s Toad Hollow.
Now WarRoom Cellars, which was founded in 2018, has made another tactical gain, with a new deal that sees the Parducci Wine Cellars, Paul Dolan Vineyards and True Grit brands, all based in Mendocino on California’s North Coast, join its portfolio.
Described by MWC as the “longest-running winery in Mendocino County”, Parducci Wine Cellars was founded in 1932 and is a California Certified Sustainable Winery, as is True Grit, which was established as a Parducci offshoot. Founded in 2007, Paul Dolan’s wine range is entirely organic, validated through California Certified Organic Farmers.
Chase Thornhill, owner of MWC, which sold the brands to WarRoom Cellars, said: “WarRoom Cellars has a proven track record, and I’m confident they’ll bring passion to the future of Parducci, Paul Dolan, and True Grit. This new chapter lets MWC focus on delivering tailored winemaking solutions to the North Coast for our valued partners, continuing our commitment to organic winemaking and exceptional service.”
MWC, which was founded by the late Paul Dolan, acquired Parducci from Chicago financier Carl Thoma in 2004.
“We’re honoured and grateful that Mendocino Wine Company has entrusted us with the iconic Parducci brand,” added WarRoom president Andrew Nelson. “It is a 92-year-old treasure of California wine history, and we look forward to celebrating this pioneering spirit and tradition of excellence in wine growing.”
The production of the organic wines of the acquired brands will reportedly continue at MWC’s facility in Ukiah – WarRoom Cellars operates with a custom crush setup. Parducci Wine Cellars has also revealed that it has now “permanently” shut its tasting room.
WarRoom Cellars’ portfolio has rapidly grown, with five brands acquired this spring from Boisset Collection, including Lyeth Estate and American Vintage.
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