Sustainability from A to Z

“Taking care of our people, our industry, and the planet is important to our company culture,” says Amy Prosenjak, former CEO and President of A to Z Wineworks and now President, Oregon of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. “We believe in leaving a place better than you found it.’” From modest beginnings in the A to Z founders’ kitchen more than 20 years ago to becoming Oregon’s top-selling wine brand, A to Z has stayed true to a vision of creating quality wine that’s also accessible while prioritizing sustainability in everything they do.

When Amy joined A to Z in 2007, the company was in flux; after years of making wine in six locations across Oregon, they acquired Rex Hill Vineyards and Winery to centralize operations. “We needed a home,” says Amy, “And more than that, to change the capital structure of the company.” A to Z wanted a bank that could facilitate their rapid growth. That’s where the team led by Adam Beak, Managing Director, Beverage Vertical, Bank of the West – now BMO – came in. They provided the financing portion of the funding A to Z needed to buy Rex Hill.?

“That funding helped us grow,” says Amy. “But the relationship is so much deeper. The bank helps us progress and brings a strong strategic business sense. They help us analyze and find solutions. It really feels like a partnership.” Winemaking requires a unique financing model. “In other businesses you can reuse your capital assets over and over to adjust to supply and demand,” says Amy. “With wine, you only get fruit once a year, and how much you get is dictated by mother nature, not you. Not only is production variable but expenses are seasonal, and the wine takes at least a year to make. If your banker doesn’t appreciate all that, you won’t get the right support.”

That support set up A to Z to thrive under Amy’s leadership. When she came on board, they were producing 80,000 cases of wine a year, now, they’re at over 400,000. Amid rapid growth, A to Z has upheld their commitment to responsible environmental, social and economic business practices. “We aspire to be a great company,” says Amy, “not just a profitable company.” That outlook aligns with the bank’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and it makes the relationship between the organizations more fruitful.

“When you have similar values, it’s easier to build trust and feel confident that you’re getting the right advice for you,” says Amy. “Trust is also a powerful catalyst for coming up with innovative ideas and solutions, while keeping sustainability front of mind.”?

With an eye on sustainability and care for employee, community, and environmental welfare, it was only natural that in 2014, they became the world’s only Certified B Corp winery. B Corps are leaders in the movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy, and must meet high standards of performance, accountability and transparency across their businesses. “We have always worked to model best practices. B Corp magnifies that influence and authenticates company practices through rigorous, objective assessment. It feels great to be recognized for the work we’ve done that reflects our values,” says Amy.

A to Z carried those values into planning their next phase of growth. “If you’re part of a big brand portfolio, it’s easier to get attention from retailers and distributors,” says Amy. “It’s a way for the brand to grow in a different way for another 20 years. But we wanted to find a likeminded buyer that wouldn’t compromise our culture.” As leading lenders across the Pacific Northwest wine community, Bank of the West/BMO knew which companies wanted to expand, including their client Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE), the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest, and among the largest in the country.

In September 2022, ownership of A to Z transitioned to SMWE. It was a true full-circle moment. Adam says, “This deal is the result of a long and successful relationship. The advocates we created at A to Z are what led us to all our other clients, including Ste. Michelle, and now, A to Z is part of their company.” Amy agrees. As she looks to the future, she’s excited to integrate into SMWE while maintaining A to Z’s values and culture. “It’s what our customers expect,” she says. “And what we expect of ourselves. We’re excited for what comes next in our journey and we know we’ll always have support.”