Oregon is home to a thriving network of innovative wineries, breweries, and distilleries—and Tonkon Torp attorneys have been essential partners in their success.
We offer alcohol industry clients a distinctive combination of business and industry-specific knowledge to help investors, owners, and operators form and sustain successful businesses.
Alcohol-centered businesses face particular challenges complicated by a web of state and federal laws and regulations. We provide alcohol industry clients tailored legal advice and solutions for every aspect of their business, from production and distribution to sale, helping clients achieve financial and structural growth while mitigating risks.
Our Alcohol Industry Group is a full-service business practice offering comprehensive counsel to industry entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes and at all life-cycle stages. We stay ahead of the curve, anticipating changes in the regulatory landscape to keep your business compliant and competitive, while we work to identify strategies and solutions to help you achieve financial and structural growth. For companies dealing with licensing, compliance audits, or high-stakes litigation, we’ve been behind-the-scenes power players enabling our clients to thrive for decades.
Whether you’re looking to start a business, acquire, sell, or simply navigate the day-to-day complexities of running a brewery, distillery, or winery, we are here to provide the experienced counsel you need.
Regulation and Compliance
Our team advises clients on their responsibilities under the Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and other local, state, and federal regulations. This includes guidance on obtaining and renewing licenses, navigating compliance audits, and ensuring that all aspects of the business—from labeling and marketing to distribution and sales—adhere to the latest legal standards. We help our clients stay ahead of regulatory shifts, reducing the risk of non-compliance and positioning them for long-term success.
Formations
Advising businesses within the alcohol industry requires careful planning and precise execution. We assist clients in structuring new businesses, ensuring that they are set up for profitability and growth from the outset. This includes advising on the best legal structures, securing necessary licenses, and navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. For companies facing financial difficulties, we provide strategic counsel to restore profitability, protect valuable intellectual property, and manage the transfer of operational licenses. Our goal is to create a strong foundation that supports both immediate and long-term business objectives.
General Business Guidance
Operating a business in the alcohol sector involves a unique set of challenges that extend beyond regulatory compliance. Our team provides ongoing advice on a wide range of business matters, including labor and employment law, drafting and negotiating transactional agreements, and maintaining strong corporate governance. We also guide clients through complex shareholder relations, franchising opportunities, and potential conflicts of interest, ensuring that their businesses are not only compliant but also efficient and poised for growth.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
We work proactively to minimize legal risks, but when conflicts do arise, we are prepared to vigorously defend our clients’ interests. Our litigation and dispute resolution services are designed to protect our clients’ profitability and competitive advantage. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we aim to resolve disputes swiftly and effectively, with a focus on maintaining business continuity and protecting our clients’ reputations.
Other Specialties
The unique nature of the alcohol industry means that businesses often face complex challenges related to real estate, land use, and taxation.
We provide specialized advice on real estate transactions, such as helping clients navigate land-use regulations that can impact their operations. Additionally, we offer tax planning and advisory services tailored to the specific needs of businesses in the regulated-substance space. Our deep understanding of these areas ensures that our clients can operate efficiently and profitably, even in the face of stringent regulatory requirements and complex tax obligations.
As a full-service business law firm, we offer comprehensive legal support and are ready to assist alcohol industry companies in every legal need they may encounter.
Services + Industries
Department
Bar Admission
Schools
Languages
Case Studies
Tonkon Torp Helps Columbia Distributing Continue Expansion
Tonkon Torp partners Ron Greenman and James Hein assisted the firm’s long-term client, Columbia Distributing, in its acquisition of Graybeal Distributing. The transaction adds new beverage brands to Columbia’s portfolio and expands its territory into Eastern Oregon.
Tonkon Torp Leads Sale of Pendleton Whisky Brands for Hood River Distillers
In early 2018, Tonkon Torp concluded the $205 million sale of the Pendleton Whisky brands by its client Hood River Distillers, Inc. (HRD) to Proximo Spirits, whose international portfolio of spirits includes Jose Cuervo tequila. HRD was Oregon’s first distillery, and one of Tonkon’s original clients.
Tonkon Torp Facilitates Hood River Distillers Acquisition
Tonkon Torp attorneys Morris Galen and David Forman represented Hood River Distillers in its recent acquisition of Portland, Oregon-based Clear Creek Distillery. Hood River Distillers is the Pacific Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, producer, bottler and marketer of distilled spirits.
Representative Matters
Equity Partnership Between Hood River Distillers and Batanga Tequila
Represented Hood River Distillers (HRD) in its long-term equity partnership with Mexico’s Orendain family for Batanga, a premium 100% agave Tequila. The Orendain family (one of four founding families of the tequila industry) and HRD have worked together for more than 50 years, which led to HRD being responsible for launching Batanga Tequila in the U.S. in 2019.
Sale of A to Z Wineworks
Represented A to Z Wineworks in its sale to Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest, farming over 30,000 acres across Washington, Oregon, and California. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates acquired the A to Z and REX HILL brands in the transaction.
Coho
Represented Columbia Distributing, one of the nation's largest malt beverage, wine and non-alcoholic beverage distributors, in a nine figure sale to a financial buyer.
Sale of Wilsonville Distribution Center
Represented the seller in the sale of the former G.I. Joe's headquarters / distribution center in Wilsonville to Southern Wine & Spirits of America. The property consists of a 300,000 square foot warehouse facility, with 60,000 additional square feet of office space, constructed on 25 acres. Sale price: $17,850,000
Sale of Portland Bottling Company
Tonkon Torp negotiated the sale of the 92-year-old Portland Bottling Company to an entity formed by Ed Maletis, former founder of beer and spirits giant Columbia Distributing.
Services + Industries
Contact us or sign up for emails on all of our news and events.
We encourage you to contact us if you have further questions about our firm or our experience. For your protection, we cannot represent you until we know that doing so will not create a conflict of interest. Accordingly, please do not send us any confidential or secret information about any matter that may involve you until you receive a written statement from us that we represent you (an engagement letter).
If after browsing this web site you are unsure which lawyer you should contact, please call us at 503.221.1440.