US-based private equity firm Ackley Beverage Group has acquired Merriman Vineyard, situated in Oregon.

Financial details of the deal have not been divulged.

Merriman Vineyard was started in 1999 with 44ac and consists of a majority of pinot noir, with a few acres of chardonnay.

"I'm looking forward to working with this vineyard and using its high-quality fruit for our wines."

The Merriman Vineyard will expand fruit sourcing for the Montinore Estate, which partnered with Ackley Beverage Group earlier this year.

Montinore Estate is Oregon's eighth largest estate winery, and the Merriman Vineyard has marine sedimentary soils that are claimed to generate rich fruit flavours for quality Pinot Noir.

Montinore Estate president Rudy Marchesi said: "I'm looking forward to working with this vineyard and using its high-quality fruit for our wines.

"Our partnership with Ackley Beverage Group has provided Montinore with new resources. This current vineyard purchase will allow us to expand our existing portfolio of single-vineyard and ultra-premium wine offerings."

As a part of the collaboration, Ackley Beverage provides sales, marketing and operational support to Montinore.

Ackley Beverage Group president Brandon Ackley said: "We are impressed with the number of outstanding producers in the Northwest.

"Our partnership with Montinore Estate is a perfect example of the positive results that can come when great existing teams share long-term strategic goals."