Betz Family Winery Sold to Newcomers

, producers of some the Washington’s top wine, announced in a press release Wednesday it has sold to newcomers Steve and Bridgit Griessel.

Bob and Cathy Betz started the winery in 1997, producing some the best Rhone and Bordeaux style red wines in the state. The Betzs will remain under contract to the Griessels for the next five years with Bob continuing as winemaker, according to Wine Spectator Magazine.

“At this stage, I want to focus more time on what originally attracted me to the industry, the vineyards and the cellar, rather than on the daily management of the company. And we want to carve out a little more time for ourselves and our family,” stated Bob Betz. “The Griessels not only continue the ‘family’ aspects of the winery but bring enthusiasm and such strong management skills (and a keen passion for wine!) that I can spend my time focused on fruit and wine quality. Not much will actually change here because the Griessel’s participation in our team is additive; if anything, the wines should reflect even greater vineyard precision and character.”

The Griessel moved to the United States from South Africa 9 years ago and have a background in business and tourism.

“Bridgit and I have been searching for a high-end, west-coast family winery,” he stated. “ Betz Family, with its relationships with prime Washington vineyards, winemaking philosophy, customer service attitude and financial success, is the gem we were looking for.”