California Winemaker Charlie Wagner Takes Majority Stake in Dry Fly Distilling

Charlie Wagner of Napa Valley’s Wagner Family of Wines has acquired a majority stake in Spokane, Washington-based craft distiller Dry Fly Distilling. The deal comes after more than a decade of friendly collaboration between Wagner and Dry Fly’s owner and founder Don Poffenroth.

Dry Fly was founded in 2007 by Poffenroth and friend Kent Fleischmann, who were both working as marketing executives at the time. The Dry Fly name was inspired by both founders’ passion for fly fishing. It became an early mover in Washington craft whiskey, and today is a fixture on the scene. Dry Fly’s spacious new distillery in downtown Spokane, which opened in 2021, is a local destination, featuring a modern distilling space, tasting room, bar, and restaurant.

The distillery has an annual capacity of 75,000 liters of pure alcohol, with room for further expansion. The Dry Fly whiskeys are made with 100% locally grown grains (grown within 30 miles of the distillery), and the range includes bourbon, wheat, and triticale whiskeys, as well as the O'Dahaghers Hibernian style and a Caledonian style whiskeys. Dry Fly’s 3 year old Cask Strength wheat whiskey earned a score of 92 points from our tasting panel in 2022. All Dry Fly whiskeys are age-stated.

Dry Fly also produces gin, vodka, and its popular “On the Fly” canned cocktails line. Its products are currently sold in 35 states, and the Wagner deal should help push the distillery toward national distribution.

Charlie Wagner is the son of Chuck Wagner, who founded Caymus Vineyards in 1972 with his parents Charlie Wagner Sr. and Lorna. In addition to Caymus, the Wagner Family of Wines portfolio includes Monterey County label Mer Soleil and Napa Valley expression Emmolo, among others. Charlie’s decade of collaborations with Dry Fly includes a whiskey finished in Caymus Special Selection wine barrels that will be released next year. “We’re taking our collaboration to the next level,” Wagner said in a statement. “Assuming a bigger stake in the company speaks to my excitement over Dry Fly’s vision, passion, and expertise, and its ability to make products that truly stand out in the market.”

With this deal, company veteran Patrick Donovan will move into the role of president. He was Dry Fly’s first employee and has deep knowledge of the distillery’s whiskeys and production methods. Donald Kidd, formerly of Texas-based drinks company Southern Champion/BuzzBallz, will head up its global sales and marketing. Kidd is an industry veteran with 30 years of experience, including 11 years at Hood River Distillers/Pendleton Whiskey. Charlie Wagner and Caymus vice president and general counsel Mike Carlson have been named to Dry Fly’s board of directors.