Ste Michelle Wine Estates, a Washington-based wine company, has purchased the O Wines brand of Woodinville, Washington for an undisclosed amount.

Established in 2006 by Stacy Lill and Kathy Johanson, O Wines brand contains Columbia Valley Chardonnay-based wines that has a production rate of 6,000 cases annually and are sold in Northwest and other West Coast markets for around $14 per bottle.

O Wines started with a mission to fund scholarships for low income and deserving youth and within four years, the brand has funded over 40 student scholarships with the help of organizations like the College Success Foundation.

The winery now plans to add a new red wine to the O Wines portfolio and also expand its distribution footprint across the country.

Ste Michelle Wine Estates president and CEO Ted Baseler said they look forward to growing the brand and eventually adding a red wine to complement the Chardonnay.

"We will continue to donate a portion of the proceeds from wine sales to fund scholarships for low income, high potential youth," Baseler added.

"With our marketing and sales strength, we are well positioned to grow the brand and raise more money for students to gain access to education."

Lill said ‘O’ represents ‘opportunity’ and its vision for O Wines was to use wine as a vehicle to fund scholarships and help students improve their lives through education.

"This is a special opportunity to have Washington’s largest winery build on the platform of our small winery for the greater good of the community and the state through education," Lill added.