Overview: A partnership was announced on November 5, 2026, between Ken Wright Cellars and the Gussalli Beretta family. The agreement establishes a multi-generational alliance that secures financial stability for the Oregon winery while preserving the existing team and operational management.
The Full Story
Ken Wright Cellars has entered into a significant transaction with the Gussalli Beretta family, marking the first time in four decades of crafting wine in the Willamette Valley that the winemaker has had a business partner. The deal involves the acquisition of a majority share in Ken Wright properties, including the Carter, Canary Hill, and Savoya vineyards, by the Gussalli Beretta family through their holding company, Upifra Agricole. While the family holds a minority stake in the Ken Wright Cellars company itself, they will own the majority share in the physical assets.
The transaction includes the acquisition of multiple buildings in Carlton that house the winemaking facilities and tasting room located within the historic railroad station. Under the new agreement, Ken Wright Cellars will lease back these properties. The financial terms were not disclosed. Despite the change in ownership structure, the agreement ensures that Ken Wright retains his role as winemaker and head of the company. Vineyard and winemaking staff remain unchanged under the new arrangement.
In 2026, the operation produced 65,000 cases, a slight decrease from the 70,000 cases produced in 2025. The production totals include 14 different single-vineyard bottlings plus regional bottlings. The transaction encompasses 91 acres of owned land, with 61.5 acres planted to vines. Including leased acres, Wright will continue to farm more than 170 acres of vines. The families intend for this to be a multi-generational partnership with no explicit exit clause determining how long Ken Wright will continue to work.
Production & Profile
The winery specializes in single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, producing 14 different single-vineyard bottlings along with several regional bottlings. The operation maintains a focus on the intensity of the region, with Ken Wright stating he loves getting up every morning to work the vines. The partnership allows the team to continue thriving in an increasingly complex market while maintaining the management style established over the years.
Brand & Industry History
Ken Wright moved from California to Oregon 40 years ago and helped build a vibrant American wine region. He studied viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis before working at Chalone and other California wineries. He founded Panther Creek Cellars in Oregon in 1986 and sold that operation to start his namesake business in 1994. At age 72, Wright is not looking to retire or cut back on operations.
The Gussalli Beretta family owns wineries in Italy and is best-known as the producer of Beretta firearms. The family-owned company is now run by the 15th generation, marking its 500th year in the firearm business this year. Its wine division, Upifra Agricole, operates seven wineries, including Castello di Radda in Chianti Classico and Fabio Motta in Bolgheri. In total, the division farms about 420 acres of vines.
What This Means
The deal has been in the works for about 14 months. Wright was approached by the Berettas through Erik McLaughlin, the CEO of Metis, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm focused on the wine and hospitality industries. The agreement brings financial stability to the winery, allowing Wright to sell enough real estate and vineyards to make an investment that would have a real impact on the winery itself. Pietro Gussalli Beretta stated that their family believes the best work comes from patience, precision and respect for tradition.
Consumer Takeaway
Ken Wright Cellars retains majority ownership of the wine inventory, ensuring the focus remains on single-vineyard Pinot Noirs. The partnership supports the team built over the years by bringing entrepreneurial experience to enable the winery to continue thriving. Consumers can expect wines from the Willamette Valley that reflect the values of patience and precision, produced by a team that remains unchanged under the new agreement.
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