BREAKING NEWS: Wilding Brands has officially acquired Boulder’s Upslope Brewing Co. in a significant move announced earlier today. Although the financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, Upslope’s production will shift to Wilding’s state-of-the-art “Canworks” facility in Denver.
Wilding CEO Eric Foster stated, “Since day one, our goal with Wilding has been to create an incredible family of Colorado craft beverage companies that retain their individuality.” He emphasized that Upslope is an ideal addition to their portfolio, which aims to maintain quality and unique experiences while leveraging a talented management team.
Despite the acquisition, Upslope’s two taprooms in Boulder and its location in Silverthorne will remain operational and under the previous management. “The taprooms are not part of the acquisition and remain under the management of the previous owner/operator,” Wilding confirmed in a news release.
Established last year through a merger involving Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Co., and Funkwerks, Wilding Brands has rapidly expanded its influence in the Colorado beverage sector. The leadership team, including industry veterans Brad Lincoln and Charlie Berger, has been instrumental in this growth, as they previously played key roles at well-known breweries.
In a rapid succession of acquisitions, Wilding Brands previously purchased Great Divide Brewing Co. in April and Station 26 Brewing Co. just two months later. With the latest acquisition of Upslope, Wilding now projects an impressive brewing capacity of 80,000 barrels across its brands. This positions Wilding as Colorado’s second-largest independent craft producer, just behind Odell Brewing Co., which topped the Brewers Association’s 2024 list with over 98,000 barrels produced last year.
As Wilding Brands continues to expand, industry experts are watching closely to see how this acquisition will influence the Colorado craft beverage landscape. The integration of Upslope into the Wilding portfolio is expected to enhance production capabilities and broaden market reach, further solidifying Wilding’s position in the industry.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment not only for Wilding Brands but also for the craft beer community in Colorado, promising new opportunities and enhanced offerings for consumers.
