(WB) - Napa-based Huneeus Vintners LLC is purchasing Benton-Lane Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, according to the seller.

Steve Girard, known for founding Girard Winery in the Napa Valley with wife Carol, on Wednesday confirmed the sale of the Oregon winery founded near Monroe nearly three decades ago. 

“It’s going to be a partnership,” Steve Girard said, referring to the deal. “I wanted to stay involved and Huneeus has been so kind to let me do that,” Girard said. His involvement, he said, will be “off and on.” 

Why did he sell? “I’m 71 years old,” Girard said.

A Huneeus representative could not be reached Wednesday to comment on the acquisition. The deed has not yet been recorded, according to Oregon officials.