Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries

Wineries, breweries and distilleries face rapidly evolving market conditions coupled with a complex and extensive regulatory system. With very lean operations, few have in-house counsel and tend to need a broad range of business and legal advice from outside advisors.

Our attorneys share our clients’ passion for their business. There are no dabblers on our team and each lawyer is devoted to clients in this space. We are also involved in industry associations which puts us at the forefront of developing legislative and business initiatives. Our strong relationships across the industry can yield valuable connections for our clients.

Davis Wright Tremaine has served as general counsel for the Oregon Winegrowers' Association for more than 15 years, and we represent more than 100 individual wineries, vineyards, and imported wine brands. We are proud to include among our clients many of the most respected wineries in the Pacific Northwest, ranging in size from large publicly traded corporations to small family vineyards.

We help clients:

• Comply with ongoing regulatory obligations affecting the structure and operation of alcoholic beverage industry business relationships and transactions
• Respond to compliance issues, audits and investigations
• Structure business entities and related organizations
• Negotiate and close corporate business transactions such as leases, mergers and acquisitions, securities and various forms of equity finance
• Manage distribution and supply chain commitments
• Handle real estate and land use matters
• Maintain proper state and federal licenses and permits
• Register trademarks, protect brands and obtain label approval
• Negotiate and manage distribution relationships and sales activities
• Resolve disputes and litigation

Our client relationships are strategic partnerships guided by a simple standard: “How can we help you strengthen your business?” As the industry continues to face new regulatory challenges, growth opportunities and new types of investors with different competitive strategies, our focused experience can be a critical asset to your success.