Willamette Valley Vineyards, an Oregon-based wine producer, has reported that its third quarter 2013 net profit fell by 13% to $232,066, compared to $268,903 for the corresponding prior year period.

For the quarter ended 30 September 2013, the company reported net sales of $3.04m, a drop of 3.6%, as against $3.04m in the year-ago.

The decrease in net sales was primarily due to decreased sales through distributors of 7.8%, which was partially offset by an increase in retail sales of 6.0%.

Gross profit margin for the company was 57.8% and 56.8% for the third quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Willamette Valley Vineyards founder and president Jim Bernau said that the company is excited to roll out its new food and wine experience as it wraps up its hospitality centre expansion project.

"Helping our customers to understand the relationship of our wines to various food options should build our brand loyalty as well as expand sales to the retail customer," Bernau added.

Founded by Bernau after purchasing an estate site in 1983, the winery produces Pinot Noir from Pommard and Wadenswil clones, Chardonnay from Dijon and Espiguette clones, and Pinot Gris.