Chronic Cellars sold to Winery Exchange

(PRDN) - Winery Exchange, a Novato-based company, announced Wednesday the acquisition of Chronic Cellars, a popular Paso Robles wine brand. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Founded by brothers Jake and Josh Beckett in 2008, Chronic Cellars is recognized as a counter-culture brand that produces exceptional wines, most notably red blends such as the Zinfandel based Purple Paradise and the Syrah based Sofa King Bueno, according to a press release from Winery Exchange. “This edgy, up-and-coming brand has posted strong growth through its tasting room, wine club and wholesale channels, despite having limited distribution and availability to this point,” the statement said.

The Beckett family will continue to have active roles with Chronic Cellars. Josh will remain the winemaker; Jake will lead Chronic’s marketing and brand development; and Dawn will continue to manage the brand’s tasting room and wine club. “The partnership with Winery Exchange gives us the sales coverage and financial resources necessary to continue Chronic’s expansion, while maintaining the brand’s integrity and quality,” said Jake Beckett. “We are excited to watch our brand continue to grow.”

Peter Byck, the president and CEO of Winery Exchange, believes that the brand is an excellent fit within the company’s portfolio of beverage alcohol products. “Chronic Cellars is a phenomenon in the market place – a combination of unbelievable wines and unique brand characteristics that resonate with millennial consumers,” stated Mr. Byck. “We are excited that Jake and Josh are staying engaged with the business, and look forward to working with them to grow Chronic and continue its involvement in the Paso Robles community.”