Loosen Bros USA

What Loosen Bros USA does

Loosen Bros. USA is a privately held wine import and distribution company founded in 2003 and headquartered in Oregon City, United States. It is owned by Ernst "Erni" Loosen, who also owns the Dr. Loosen estate in Germany's Mosel region and launched the US entity specifically to improve distribution of his Dr. Loosen and Villa Wolf wines. The company has since selectively expanded to represent a curated portfolio of 13 independently owned wine estates spanning Germany (Mosel, Saar, Ruwer, Rheingau, Pfalz, Rheinhessen), Switzerland, France (Burgundy, Languedoc), Australia (Clare Valley), and Oregon (Willamette Valley). Its product range covers the full spectrum of wine styles: dry to sweet Rieslings including Prädikat and single-vineyard GG tiers, white wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc/Gris), red wines (Pinot Noir from multiple regions, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, French blends), sparkling wines (Sekt, Crémant), and an alcohol-removed Riesling line (Dr. Lo).

The business operates as a lean B2B wholesale operation with 1-10 employees and no direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel. Its primary go-to-market is through a nationwide network of US distributors who supply wine retailers, restaurants, wine bars, and hospitality venues. Trade-facing marketing is supported by a website hosting portfolio guides, estate profiles, harvest reports, and downloadable sales tools (info sheets, pocket guides, shelf talkers, label images), alongside a monthly email newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. Pricing is wholesale and not publicly disclosed; revenue is derived from one-time wholesale wine sales across entry-level (Dr. L Riesling), mid-tier, and ultra-premium single-vineyard GG tiers. Leadership is led by Kirk Wille as President and Director of Marketing. There is no external institutional investment, no parent company, and no subsidiaries.

Name

Loosen Bros USA

Website

https://loosenbrosusa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Loosen Bros. USA is a privately held US wine importer and distributor, founded in 2003 and owned by Ernst Loosen, representing a curated portfolio of 13 global wine estates to retailers and restaurants through a nationwide B2B distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wine Import & Distribution

NAICS

Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (424820)

SIC

Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Alcohol Importers & Brand Owners (Wholesale) (CRAOAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA)

Keywords

• Wine import distribution
• Premium Riesling import
• Estate wine portfolio
• B2B wine wholesale
• German Riesling distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Oregon City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Others

Revenue model

1. Wine Distribution & Import: Loosen Bros USA generates revenue by importing and distributing premium wines from its portfolio of wine estate producers to US retailers, restaurants, and distributors. Revenue is derived from wholesale wine sales across all product tiers from entry-level Dr. L Riesling to ultra-premium single-vineyard GG wines.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Loosen Bros USA imports and distributes a curated portfolio of wines from 13 independently owned global wine estates to US retailers, restaurants, wine bars, and hospitality buyers through a network of wholesale distributors. The portfolio spans German estates (Dr. Loosen, Fritz Haag, Maximin Grünhaus, Zilliken, Robert Weil, Villa Wolf, Wittmann), Switzerland (Gantenbein), France (Sanssouci from Languedoc, Perron de Mypont from Burgundy), Oregon (Appassionata, J. Christopher), and Australia (Jim Barry), with the Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling line serving as the flagship entry-level gateway offering.

Product overview

Loosen Bros. USA is a wine import and distribution company representing a curated portfolio of global wine estates. It operates as a multi-brand portfolio rather than a single unified product. The core offerings center on the Loosen Bros. own label wines (Dr. L Riesling, Dr. L Riesling Dry, Dr. L Riesling "Gray Slate", Dr. L Sparkling Riesling, and the Dr. Lo alcohol-removed Riesling line), which serve as the entry-level gateway introducing U.S. consumers to Mosel Riesling. Alongside this core brand, the company distributes wines from 14 independently owned estates spanning Germany (Dr. Loosen, Fritz Haag, Maximin Grünhaus, Zilliken, Robert Weil, Villa Wolf), Switzerland (Gantenbein), France (Sanssouci from Languedoc, Perron de Mypont from Burgundy), Oregon (Appassionata, J. Christopher), and Australia (Jim Barry). The portfolio covers the full spectrum of wine styles: dry to sweet Rieslings (Mosel, Ruwer, Saar, Rheingau, Pfalz), white wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc/Gris), red wines (Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, blends), sparkling wines (Sekt, Crémant), and alcohol-removed wines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling Flagship off-dry Mosel Riesling sourced from contracted growers; positioned as the No. 1 Super-Premium German Riesling in America, featuring crisp acidity, juicy fruit, and slate minerality at an accessible price point. Sold to US retailers, restaurants, and distributors through Loosen Bros. USA's wholesale network.
• Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling Dry Dry counterpart to the classic Dr. L Riesling, offering balanced, elegant, racy characteristics of steep slate-soil Mosel vineyards at an accessible price point.
• Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling "Gray Slate" Off-dry "feinherb" style Riesling capturing the mineral character of Mosel gray slate soils; food-friendly alternative to the regular Dr. L bottling.
• Loosen Bros. Dr. L Sparkling Riesling 100% Riesling sparkling wine produced via the Charmat method; a fruity, refreshing sparkling option for brunches and cocktails.
• Loosen Bros. Dr. Lo Alcohol-Removed Riesling Alcohol-removed Riesling balancing fruitiness with crisp Mosel acidity; designed for moderation without compromising taste.
• Loosen Bros. Dr. Lo Alcohol-Removed Riesling with Bubbles Sparkling alcohol-removed Riesling offering fizz and refreshment without alcohol.
• Dr. Loosen Estate Wines

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and secondary.

• Dr. LoosenflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Dr. Loosen estate is the flagship producer in the Loosen Bros. USA portfolio. Owned by Ernst 'Erni' Loosen, the same family that owns Loosen Bros. USA, the estate is located in the Mosel region and has been in the Loosen family for over 200 years. It is renowned for Rieslings from some of Germany's best-rated vineyards with ungrafted vines averaging 60 years old, some over 120 years old. Loosen Bros. USA was founded specifically to improve US distribution of Dr. Loosen and Villa Wolf wines starting in 2003.
• Villa WolfflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerVilla Wolf is a historic Pfalz estate founded in 1756, taken over by Ernst Loosen in 1996. It was the second founding producer of the Loosen Bros. USA portfolio alongside Dr. Loosen. The estate produces classically styled Pfalz wines including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Dornfelder. It achieved organic certification for estate vineyards in 2021.
• Fritz HaagcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFritz Haag is a historic Mosel family estate with documentation dating to 1605, located in Brauneberg. Oliver Haag leads the estate which owns 17.5 ha (43 acres) exclusively planted to Riesling. Recognized as a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits in 2021 and 2023, and Winemaker of the Year by Gault Millau in 1994.
• Maximin GrünhauscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaximin Grünhaus is a legendary Ruwer estate owned by the Carl von Schubert family (5th generation). First documented in 966 AD when donated to the Benedictine monastery of Saint Maximin. The estate owns three contiguous vineyards: Abtsberg (35 acres), Herrenberg (40 acres), and Bruderberg (2.5 acres). Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits in 2017 and 2020.
• ZillikencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZilliken is one of the leading wine estates of Germany's Saar region, managed by Dorothee Zilliken since 2016. The estate owns 11 hectares in Saarburg's Grosse Lage Rausch vineyard plus 1 hectare in the Bockstein vineyard. Zilliken produces electric, featherlight Rieslings with steel precision and bright acidity. Germany's Winemaker of the Year 2017 (Gault Millau).
• Robert WeilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRobert Weil is a Rheingau estate founded in 1875, cultivating 90 hectares (222 acres) of Riesling. Located in Kiedrich with top vineyards Kiedrich Turmberg and Kiedrich Gräfenberg. Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022. Winemaker of the Year 1997 (Gault Millau). Described by Michael Broadbent as 'the most consistently brilliant winemaker in the Rheingau.'
• GantenbeincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGantenbein is widely considered one of the best wine estates in Switzerland, founded in 1982 and located in Graubünden. Daniel and Martha Gantenbein farm 6 hectares (15 acres) producing approximately 1,200 cases of Pinot Noir and 200 cases of Chardonnay annually. Winemaker of the Year 2008 (Gault Millau).
• WittmanncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWittmann is a Rheinhessen estate producing Pinot Blanc and Grauer Burgunder (Pinot Gris). Organic/biodynamic viticulture. Listed as a portfolio producer in the Loosen Bros. USA wine categories.
• SanssoucisecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSanssouci produces wines from France's Languedoc region, made by Laurent Delaunay at his Abbotts & Delaunay winery near Carcassonne. Loosen began working with Delaunay over a decade ago to produce affordable, high-quality red wines for the German market.
• Perron de MypontsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerron de Mypont is a personal Burgundy collection created by Ernst Loosen, established in 2019 when he acquired the east wing of the historic 15th century Vieux Château de Puligny-Montrachet. Partnered with Manoël Bouchet, a Burgundy wine professional. Combines négociant and parcellaire models, with two tiers: Maison (regional wines) and Edition (villages and premier cru).
• AppassionatacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAppassionata is Ernst Loosen's Pinot Noir passion project in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Launched as a collaborative project in 2005, Erni purchased 40 acres in the Chehalam Mountains near Newberg, planted the Appassionata vineyard and built the winery. Produces three Pinot Noir cuvées (Allegro, Andante, Fortissimo) inspired by Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata, plus Chardonnay and Riesling.
• J. Christopher WinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJ. Christopher is owned by Ernst Loosen and produces terroir-focused wines from Oregon's Northern Willamette Valley. Hand-crafted in small lots from sustainably-managed vineyards. Also sourced from the shared Appassionata Vineyard (17 acres Pinot Noir, 2 acres Chardonnay, 1 acre Sauvignon Blanc).
• Jim BarrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJim Barry is an iconic South Australian wine family founded in 1959 in the Clare Valley by Jim and Nancy Barry, now managed by Peter Barry and family. Known for world-class Riesling and Shiraz, with The Armagh Shiraz regarded as one of Australia's highest quality wines. The Barry family owns vineyards across Clare Valley and Coonawarra.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Vias Imports: Family-operated US importer focused on premium Italian and select European estates — comparable boutique multi-producer portfolio distributed through US wholesale channels.
• Polaner Selections: US importer/distributor representing premium family-owned European wine estates via the wholesale channel — analogous portfolio model targeting independent retailers and fine-dining accounts.
• Skurnik Wines: Family-owned US importer/distributor representing a curated portfolio of premium European estates through B2B wholesale distributor networks — directly comparable GTM model and premium positioning to Loosen Bros. USA.
• Terry Theise Estate Selections: Selectively curated importer focused on German, Austrian, Alsatian, and Champagne producers, distributed via US wholesalers — same small-portfolio, expert-curator model with comparable Riesling focus.
• Blue Danube Wine Company: Boutique US importer focused on Austrian and German wines including Riesling — overlapping Mosel/German producer relationships and premium trade distribution comparable to Loosen Bros. USA.
• Rudi Wiest Selections: Specialized US importer of German and Austrian wines featuring Mosel-focused producer portfolios — overlapping Riesling category exposure and similar B2B distribution model.
• Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant: Iconic US importer/distributor of small-production French and European estate wines distributed through the wholesale three-tier system — closely analogous business model and target retail/restaurant customer.
• European Cellars: US importer/distributor representing family-owned European estates in the wholesale channel — similar small-curated-portfolio, premium-trade-focused business model.

Emerging players

• Schatzi Wines: Boutique US importer with a curated portfolio of premium producers including Austrian/German wine focus — overlapping trade-channel customer base with comparable small-scale operations.

Broad incumbents

• Winebow Group: Large-scale US wine importer/distributor managing multiple portfolios across global regions — represents the scaled end of the import-wholesale category against which Loosen Bros. USA competes for shelf space and distributor attention.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/loosenbros
• Instagraminstagram.com/loosenbrosusa
• Xx.com/loosenbrosusa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/loosen-bros.-usa-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Loosen Bros USA