2018 Family Business Awards, Community Involvement: Westport Winery Garden Resort

WESTPORT WINERY GARDEN RESORT. Founders Kim and Blain Roberts, foreground, with Carrie and Dana Roberts.

This article appears in print in the December 2018 issue. See more about the winners of the 2018 Family Business Awards here. Click here for a free subscription.

Westport Winery Garden Resort
Location: Aberdeen

Blain and Kim Roberts didnt have to start a second business in 2008. They could have retired after selling a successful Hawaii charter scuba-diving enterprise. But Kim says she and her husband were bored, plus they wanted their adult children to experience entrepreneurship. So, they invested in Westport Winery, involving son, Dana, and daughter, Carrie. Blain and Kim opted to turn what would be their paychecks into charity donations. Today, Westport Winery has 29 employees. The greatest blessing, Kim says, [is] working side by side with our kids and having a depth of relationship that I think is rare.

A portion of proceeds from wine sales supports local charities, and a portion of cider sales goes to Mercy Ships, an international medical mission. Since the family invested in the business, donations have exceeded $500,000.

Westport Winery operates a restaurant and bakery, a gift shop and 15 acres of display gardens. It also has tasting rooms in Cannon Beach and Seaside, Oregon. The business has thrived, with revenues tripling in 10 years. In 2014, the adult children each received 20 percent of the business from their parents. Dana is winemaking director and Carrie is CFO/general manager. Blain gives general oversight and Kim handles creative planning and marketing.

The winery has spent about $80,000 supporting local artists, and 60 sculptures grace the winerys grounds. All in the family have served in the community, and the winery supports operations such as pet rescue, museums and theaters.