America’s 1st Dedicated Alcohol-Free Distillery Shutters After 7 Years

(Photo: Wilderton)

An Oregon-founded nonalcoholic spirits brand that helped shape the zero-proof movement in the U.S. is shutting down.

Wilderton Aperitivo, which launched in 2019 and later opened what it described as the nation’s first dedicated alcohol-free distillery, has ceased operations after roughly seven years in business. Co-founders Brad Whiting and Seth O’Malley confirmed the closure in statements to KOIN.com.

According to the founders, the decision was driven primarily by ongoing challenges in the current funding and financing climate, which they described as historically difficult. They cited additional contributing factors but said access to capital was the central issue.

Wilderton gained national attention in 2023 when it opened a nonalcoholic distillery in Hood River, Oregon — a first-of-its-kind facility focused entirely on producing zero-proof spirits. The distillery offered tours and tastings and positioned itself as an educational hub for consumers curious about alcohol-free cocktails built around botanicals and flavor rather than ethanol.

In a joint statement, Whiting and O’Malley said they remain proud of the company’s role in raising standards and awareness within the fast-growing nonalcoholic spirits category. They emphasized that the Hood River facility welcomed thousands of visitors before closing and served as a way to demystify how alcohol-free spirits are made.

Both founders brought deep industry experience to the venture. Whiting previously helped develop Pendleton Whisky and served in a leadership role at Clear Creek Distillery. O’Malley worked at Portland-based Townsend Distillery before it closed. Their combined backgrounds lent credibility to Wilderton as the nonalcoholic sector began gaining traction among sober-curious consumers and those reducing alcohol consumption.

Despite the closure, Wilderton products have not disappeared entirely. The company is selling its remaining inventory directly through its website through the end of the month. Bottles will also continue to be available at select retailers, bars and restaurants across the West Coast until existing stock runs out.

Wilderton’s shutdown comes amid broader uncertainty in the beverage alcohol and nonalcoholic space, where rising interest from consumers has not always translated into sustainable growth for smaller brands. While demand for alcohol-free options remains strong, many producers continue to face higher costs, tighter investment conditions and intense competition.

For Wilderton, the closure marks the end of a notable chapter in the U.S. nonalcoholic spirits movement — one that helped push the category beyond novelty and toward more serious, flavor-driven offerings.