All Featured Wineries are listed alphabetically by region. Scroll down for Oregon, California, Canada Featured Wineries.
‣OREGON, USA
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ADELSHEIM VINEYARD (Newberg, OR)
Represented by David Adelsheim & Dave Paige Established in 1971, Adelsheim Vineyard's family-owned and operated winery and estate vineyards are located in Oregon's northern Willamette Valley. Company co-founder, David Adelsheim, leads a new generation of experienced wine industry professionals devoted to crafting consistently transcendent wines. Adelsheim Vineyard uses sustainable farming practices and takes great care to bring out the best in each of their unique vineyard sites. In the winery, they combine traditional and modern techniques, crafting wines in a style that centers on elegance, complexity, and richness in flavor and texture. Their new tasting room opened in 2009, with an emphasis on upper-tier single vineyard Pinot noir. Their wines and service, combined with a unique tour program, makes Adelsheim Vineyard a "must visit" destination during your next stay in wine country. |
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AMALIE ROBERT ESTATE (Dallas, OR)
Represented by Dena Drews and Ernie PinkAmalie Robert Estate was founded by Dena Drews and Ernie Pink in 1999. Dena and Ernie left the corporate world behind and began a journey to grow Pinot noir in the last best place on earth. They found a beautiful cherry orchard and the opportunity to follow their dreams. Today, Amalie Robert Estate is a 60-acre property with 30 acres of sustainably farmed vines and a state of the art, gravity flow Pinot noir winery. The estate is stitched into the sedimentary foothills outside of Dallas, Oregon. In second careers, Dena and Ernie’s guiding principle is stewardship. They are the vineyard managers and winemakers; students of the vineyard, where class, it seems, is always in session. Their efforts in the field are rewarded with Pinot noir wines that are "true to the soil and true to the vintage.®" What’s the story behind the name? Amalie Robert is a combination of Dena’s middle name “Amalie” (pronounced AIM-a-lee) and Ernie’s, “Robert.” |
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AMITY VINEYARDS (Amity, OR)
Represented by Myron Redford & Darcy PendergrassIn 1974, owner and co-winemaker Myron Redford came to Oregon from neighboring Washington State with a dream to build an estate winery that would specialize in Burgundian-style Pinot noir. Guided by short courses and seminars from UC Davis to supplement his on-the-job training, Myron has guided Amity Vineyards to become one of the most respected wineries in the Willamette Valley. Always an innovator and iconoclast, in 1990 he was the first to produce a non-detectable sulfite wine made from organic grapes. Armed with a background in microbiology from the University of Montana, Darcy Pendergrass joined Amity Vineyards in 2001. In 2005, Darcy was elevated to the role of co-winemaker and since then has been responsible for the day-to-day winemaking operations for Amity Vineyards and has overseen its continued growth. Amity specializes in Pinot blanc, Riesling, Gamay noir, and Pinot noir. |
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ANAM CARA CELLARS (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Nick & Sheila NicholasNick and Sheila Nicholas planted their 30-acre LIVE vineyard in 2001 on the site of an overgrown walnut, hazelnut and plum orchard in the Chehalem Mountains. Intending from the start to make estate wines that truly reflect their origin, the vineyard was planted with five Pinot noir clones on differing rootstocks to compensate for soil depth and type. Careful farming includes organic and biodynamic practices to encourage outstanding blending options in every vintage. In just a few short years the vineyard has already shown its potential with exceptional Pinot noirs, and a small amount of Riesling and Gewürztraminer. A further six acres divided between Riesling, Chardonnay and Wädenswil Pinot noir were planted according to the biodynamic calendar in 2008. In addition to the Nicholas Estate and Reserve Pinots, this small producer makes limited amounts of Heather's Vineyard (single clone), the series of Mark's Pinots, as well as a rare Rosé. The name "Anam Cara" is Celtic for Soul Friend. |
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ANTICA TERRA (Dundee, OR)
Represented by Maggie Harrison & Andrew RiechersAntica Terra is an 11-acre vineyard located on a rocky hillside in the Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The first vines were planted here in 1989 in a clearing within the oak savannah. The geology of the site is extremely unusual. In most of the region, vineyards are planted in the relatively deep, geologically young soils left behind by either the Missoula floods or the volcanic events that formed the Cascade Range. In this place, the remains of a far older pre-historic seabed rise to the surface, leaving the vines to struggle, without topsoil, amongst a fractured mixture of sandstone sown with fossilized oyster shells. In 2005 when Maggie Harrison was asked if she would simply take a look at the vineyard and offer her opinion about the qualities of the site. She reluctantly agreed. Twenty-six seconds after arriving among the oaks, fossils, and stunted vines, she found herself hunched beneath one of the trees, phone in hand, explaining to her husband that they would be moving to Oregon. |
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ARGYLE WINERY (Dundee, OR)
Represented by Nate Klostermann & Chris CullinaEstablished in 1987, Argyle Winery has discovered the importance of encouraging their grapevines to optimize the Willamette Valley’s limited sunlight and heat for flavor production. Argyle sustainably farms 500 acres of some of the best vineyard spots in the Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills AVAs. The winery and vineyards are LIVE certified sustainable. This focus on farming vintage-driven wines from great sites is the cornerstone to Argyle’s full spectrum of prestige sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot noir - ten of which have made it on to the Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines” list. |
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AYRES VINEYARD & WINERY (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Brad & Kathleen McLeroy“We grow it. We make it. We live it. We love it.” Three generations live among the vines at Ayres Vineyard & Winery, located in Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA. In 2001, an old filbert orchard was removed and a vineyard was born with three acres of Pinot noir, clone 667. The vineyard is now home to 18 acres of various Pinot noir clones, an experimental plot of white grape varietals, as well as an underground winery. Ayres believes great dirt makes great wine. “We farm sustainably. To us there is no other choice. Our vineyard is our backyard. It is where our kids play and where our dogs roam. Our grapes enjoy warm days and cool nights and we enjoy what we do”. |
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BELLE PENTE VINEYARD & WINERY (Carlton, OR)
Represented by Brian & Jill O'DonnellBelle Pente produced their first Pinot noir in 1996. The name means “beautiful slope” and was selected by owners Jill and Brian O’Donnell as a perfect description for their historic 70- acre farm in the Yamhill-Carlton District. It also reflects their commitment to making wines that capture the essence of each individual vineyard site. Their estate vineyard includes 12 acres of densely planted Pinot noir and is farmed using organic and biodynamic practices. Their Estate Reserve Pinot noir is a selection of individual barrels from the best sections of the vineyard, aged for at least 18 months in barrel, and bottled by gravity without fining or filtration. |
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BETHEL HEIGHTS VINEYARD (Salem, OR)
Represented by Ben Casteel & Mimi CasteelBethel Heights is a family owned and operated estate winery in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of the Willamette Valley. Established in 1977 by two families, Bethel Heights has expanded in recent years to include second-generation leadership and ownership. The winery now produces around 13,000 cases each year, most of which comes from the 70-acre estate vineyard, with its backbone of 30-year old, own-rooted Pinot noir and Chardonnay vines. Several different Pinot noir wines are produced each year, including the age-worthy “Estate,” various block-designated and vineyard-designated special bottlings in small lots, and the barrel selected, blended “Casteel Reserve”. |
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BIG TABLE FARM (Gaston, OR)
Represented by Brian Marcy & Clare CarverBig Table Farm is the collaborative effort of Brian Marcy and Clare Carver. They are winemakers and artists, growing and producing what they love to eat and drink.They moved to Oregon from Napa in 2006 and bought a property in the Willamette Valley. This Oregon adventure is inspired by the dream to grow grapes, make wine, and to have the space for all of Clare’s animals and Brian’s wacky projects. The farm and winery are named after their desire to provide a gracious and welcoming table for family and friends, with a cornucopia of hand-crafted food and wine. Ambitious as it is, they have launched a winery and are establishing a working farm, where they raise pasture poultry, pigs, cows, and egg-laying chickens. Focus is placed on vineyard designate Pinots from some great vineyards in the Willamette Valley. |
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BRICK HOUSE WINE COMPANY (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Doug Tunnell & Melissa MillsWith a 29-acre vineyard on the sedimentary soils of Ribbon Ridge, Doug Tunnell and Melissa Mills grow and produce wines from the three great varietals of Burgundy: Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay noir. All Brick House wines are estate-grown and produced in the old horse barn that serves as the farm’s winery. They are fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled without the addition of enzymes or other production aids that alter the natural character of the harvested fruit. Brick House Vineyards obtained organic certification from Oregon Tilth in 1990. In 2002, Brick House began incorporating biodynamic methods in the vineyard. The entire 40-acre farm is now certified Biodynamic by the Demeter Association. The objective: elegant, handcrafted wines made in harmony with nature. |
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CARABELLA VINEYARD (Wilsonville, OR)
Represented by Mike & Cara HallockGeologist and winemaker Mike Hallock is the founder of Carabella Vineyard, located on the southeast flank of Parrett Mountain. After a graduate degree in climatology and 25 years as a consulting geologist, he did obligatory coursework at UC Davis and became a winemaker in Colorado (really!). Twelve years of vineyard site study resulted in the planting of the 49-acre vineyard in 1996; the final 9 acres were planted in 2007. Primary focus at Carabella is Pinot noir. Most of the vineyard is devoted to individual blocks featuring seven different clones designed to bring complexity to a site driven blend. Two blocks of Dijon 76 Chardonnay and two clones of Pinot gris also have a devoted following. The gypsy winemaking life of commuting from Colorado for crush ended in 2002 when Mike and his family relocated to Oregon to concentrate full-time on the vineyard and wines of Carabella. The wines are created in shared winery space near the vineyard. |
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CRISTOM (Salem, OR)
Represented by Steve Dorner, Tom Gerrie & John D'AnnaPaul and Eileen Gerrie established Cristom Vineyards in 1992. They had been attending the IPNC for years, and there developed a passion for Pinot noir. Present from the beginning were winemaker Steve Doerner and vineyard manager Mark Feltz, both arriving with prior knowledge of Pinot noir. The estate has 75 acres in vine, which are planted primarily to four distinct Pinot noir vineyards named for Gerrie family matriarchs. Hallmarks of Cristom's winemaking are a large percentage of whole clusters, native yeast fermentation, and minimal handling throughout the winemaking process. Estate Pinot Gris, Estate Viognier and Estate Syrah make up the balance of their 10,000 case production. |
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DE PONTE CELLARS (Dayton, OR)
Represented by Scott Baldwin & Isabelle DutartreDe Ponte Cellars is a boutique winery located in the heart of the Dundee Hills. The Baldwin Family, who bought the vineyard and transformed it into the working winery it is today, lives among the 17 acres of planted Pinot noir vines that create the De Ponte vineyard. De Ponte Cellars specializes in elegant, hand-crafted Pinot noir, based upon knowledge passed down over centuries of winemaking in Burgundy to the uniqueness of Oregon. The vineyards are planted to combine tried and true Burgundian formulas adapted to the unique Oregon terroir. French winemaker Isabelle Dutartre, who spent many years producing wine in both Burgundy and Oregon, now makes wine exclusively for De Ponte Cellars. De Ponte's Pinot noir reflects her philosophy of allowing the grapes to direct the style of the wine. She advocates gentle handling of the fruit, using gravity flow and the minimal use of new oak to encourage maximum body and fruit expression with soft, elegant tannins. |
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ELK COVE VINEYARDS (Gaston, OR)
Represented by Adam Campbell & Shirley BrooksElk Cove Vineyards produces wines from outstanding vineyards in the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon. Through site selection and meticulous vine management they achieve concentration and depth of flavor in the vineyard. At their winery they employ gravity flow and gentle handling to protect the inherent qualities of their estate-grown fruit. Their focus is on Willamette Valley Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, and Riesling. Elk Cove Vineyards is a second generation family winery that has produced single vineyard Pinot noirs since 1979. Five Mountain, Mt. Richmond, Windhill, La Bohème, and Roosevelt Vineyard Pinot noirs have all been selected for specific site characteristics. Yields are kept to under two tons per acre for these special reserve bottlings. Find out for yourself why they say, "True quality is timeless". |
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ERATH WINERY (Dundee, OR)
Represented by Gary Horner & Jennifer WillisAs one of Oregon's wine pioneers, Erath Winery's founder, Dick Erath, was driven by the belief that the future of Pinot noir was in Oregon. Today Erath wines are an expression of the land that the winery has cultivated for more than 40 years, longer than any other winery in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. Winemaker Gary Horner, who shares Dick Erath's background in science and a reverence for Oregon's unique terroir, strives to reveal classic Oregon Pinot: light, delicate and fruit-forward. Horner takes pride in making a range of Pinot noir styles, from the hugely popular Oregon blend to the highly-acclaimed, limited-edition single-vineyard selections. His goal is to make the best Pinot noir the region has to offer – it's time-honored, authentic and uniquely Oregon. |
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J.K. CARRIERE (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Jim Prosser & Linda CrabtreeOwner and winemaker Jim Prosser has come to understand Pinot noir from the messy grape cellar end of things and learned the trade by working for eight great producers in four countries including Erath, Domaine Drouhin, Brick House and Chehalem in Oregon; Villa Maria in New Zealand; Tarra Warra and T'Gallant in Australia; and Domaine Georges Roumier in Burgundy. These are his friends and they have provided his foundation. In 1999, Jim established his own winery, sourced good grapes and started making wine as J.K. Carriere, the combined names of his grandfathers. A wasp features prominently on all labels, as it has twice nearly killed him due to a severe allergy. From the start J.K. Carriere wines have received critical acclaim. Jim will tell you his success stems from great vineyards, focused winemaking and the willingness to go right through the middle of the work. He makes primarily Pinot noir, producing classic, vivid and ageable wines with fruit on the first uptake, movement on the palate and elegance throughout. Jim's intent is to astonish you, intentionally spark you, and give you every reason to share that experience with someone else. In fact, this is his ruthless pursuit. |
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LEMELSON VINEYARDS (Carlton, OR)
Represented by Eric Lemelson & Anthony KingEric Lemelson planted two acres of Pinot noir as a hobby on a hillside farm near Newberg in 1995. He enjoyed viticulture so much that within two years he planted 17 additional acres near Carlton and began to design a winery. Today Lemelson Vineyards owns and manages 156 acres at seven sites in three AVA's (Yamhill-Carlton, Dundee Hills and Chehalem Mountains) in Yamhill County, taking advantage of terroir diversity from multiple soil types and elevations ranging from 250 to 1000 feet. All vineyards have been farmed organically from the beginning, and have been certified organic since 2004. The gravity-flow winery reflects both a strong commitment to sustainability, grounded in Eric Lemelson's background as an environmental lawyer, and a "no-compromises" approach to wine quality. Winemaker Anthony King crafts ageworthy Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot gris using wild yeasts, long, patient elevage, and gentle processing. Their goal is to produce distinctive wines that speak clearly of their origins. |
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LONGPLAY WINE (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Todd Hansen & Tripti SimbackLongplay Wine is the label of Lia's Vineyard, a 50-acre, south-facing parcel in the Chehalem Mountains AVA with plantings dating to 1990. Owner Todd Hansen and his daughter, Lia, farm the vineyard alongside vineyard manager Javier Marin and his skilled crew. While Lia's Vineyard sells most of its fruit to some of Oregon's leading wineries, Hansen retains a few tons of Pinot noir and Chardonnay to "ruin weekends and increase the mountains of paperwork that occupy the evening hours." The name "Longplay" communicates the philosophy of creating "analog wine for a digital world - no overdubbing, no remixing." The goal is to capture the essence of the vineyard and the vintage in every bottle. Longplay Wine has limited distribution and is primarily available to mailing list customers. |
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LUMOS WINE CO. (Philomath, OR)
Represented by Dai Crisp & Julia CattrallThe Lumos Wine Co., launched in 2000 by Dai Crisp, dashing grape grower and winemaker, and his groovy wife and business partner, PK McCoy, is a small operation at just 2,500 cases per year. With the help of his dauntless crew, Dai grows all of the fruit that goes into the Lumos wines on three Certified Organic vineyards. The Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Rosé and Gewurztraminer come from Temperance Hill Vineyard (Dai’s day job), Wren Vineyard (estate vineyard) and Logsdon Ridge Vineyard (aka Rudolfo). Dai does all the winemaking with Julia Cattrall, of Cattrall Brothers Vineyards. Dai and Julia are close collaborators in the winery, working together to carefully craft the wines with minimal intervention so that the each vintage clearly reflects the seasonal expression of fruit and terroir. Food Alliance and Salmon Safe certified. |
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LUNDEEN WINES (McMinnville, OR)
Represented by Michael & Desirée LundeenMichael Lundeen has devoted his life to producing compelling wines, primarily Pinot noir. The task is uncomplicated yet considerable: source some of the new world's finest Pinot noir from Oregon's Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity, and Willamette Valley AVAs, and endeavor to produce superb wines that with complexity and distinction express the truth of vintage and a spirit of place. Michael's journey of discovery and creation began in 2001, hands in dirt, planting Pinot noir on the Lundeen's tiny estate, Poverty Bend Vineyard. After working with Willamette Valley icons Willakenzie Estate, Domaine Serene, and Belle Pente, and a stint with Barolo's Castello di Verduno, Michael launched the very modest project that would become Lundeen Wines. Seven years later, Lundeen Wines has grown ten-fold and now includes Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot gris. Michael with his wife, Desirée and son, Colin, live as the third and fourth generations of Lundeens at Poverty Bend Farm outside McMinnville. |
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MATELLO WINES (McMinnville, OR)
Represented by Marcus Goodfellow & Gaironn PooleMatello, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, produces handcrafted wines that tell an honest story. Highlighting Oregon’s terroir and cool climate, Matello is detail oriented and rooted in traditional techniques. Preferring an explorative nature in the vineyard and common sense in the winery, we produce sommelier friendly wines that are refreshing, balanced, and cellar-worthy. Marcus Goodfellow, the “masseur du raisins” for Matello, chose apprenticeship over formal schooling, spending time at Evesham Wood and Westrey. Matello recently became a member of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization of artisanal Oregon wineries dedicated to producing wines from non-irrigated sites. All of the wines are produced from family farmed vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley AVAs, and since Matello’s inception in 2002, the winery has earned a position as one of Oregon’s most respected independent producers. |
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MATZINGER-DAVIES WINE CO. (McMinnville, OR)
Represented by Anna Matzinger & Michael DaviesThe Matzinger Davies Wine Company is a collaboration between husband and wife winemakers Michael Davies (REXHILL/A to Z) and Anna Matzinger (Archery Summit). It all started with that powerful idea ‘let’s make something together’ and came to fruition in 2006 with their first vintage of Pinot noir and Chardonnay. Coincidentally that was the same year as the birth of their first child. Their Pinot noir comes from two small, sustainably farmed vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. Each vineyard is farmed with dedication and affection by their respective owners who live on site. The Chardonnay represents a journey of exploration and discovery employing fruit from a different site or AVA each year. They also produce a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc from the mighty Columbia River Gorge. Michael is a New Zealander by birth which should explain this. The intention of Matzinger Davies Wine Company is to produce wines with a resonant voice; speaking to geographical origin, varietal typicity and season. Authenticity, vibrancy and integrity should be their calling cards. |
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MONTINORE ESTATE (Forest Grove, OR)
Represented by Rudy Marchesi & Ben ThomasPlanted in 1982, Montinore Estate is home to 230 acres of certified biodynamic vineyards, winery and tasting room. Montinore is the project of owner Rudy, his youngest daughter, General Manager Kristin Marchesi, winemakers Stephen Webber and Ben Thomas, vineyard manager Efren Rosales and staff. Rudy Marchesi took over operations from the founding family in 2005 after over 25 years in the wine industry and managing Montinore for several years. Since then Rudy and his team have worked together to produce wines that have both elegance and complexity. This is achieved through both careful vineyard management and close attention to detail in the winery. Employing biodynamic farming practices in the vineyards produces grapes with rich character. Thoughtful teamwork, native yeasts and a true love of the craft in the winery transforms what the vineyards have to offer into our unique and flavorful wines. Producing Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Müller-Thurgau, from estate vineyards, Montinore creates wines true to their varietal and Montinore's special place in the northern Willamette Valley. |
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PATTON VALLEY VINEYARD (Gaston, OR)
Represented by Derek Einberger & Danielle BallLocated in the northern reaches of Oregon's Willamette Valley, Patton Valley Vineyard was founded in 1995 by Monte Pitt and Dave Chen. All of Patton Valley's efforts are focused on expressing the character of their site in the handcrafted estate-grown Pinot noir wines they produce. Set on a hillside overlooking the Patton Valley outside of Gaston, Oregon, the vineyard comprises 24 acres of densely planted vines. Farmed using only sustainable vineyard practices, certified by LIVE, yields are kept at approximately two tons per acre to ensure proper ripening and fruit complexity. At Patton Valley the winemaking philosophy is decidedly low-impact, with the foremost tenet being to handle the wine as little as possible. New wines from 100-percent estate-grown fruit typically go directly into barrel following primary fermentation, often without settling, are aged on their lees, with minimal racking prior to being bottled without filtration. Current production of Pinot noir is approximately 3,500 cases annually. |
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PONZI VINEYARDS (Beaverton, OR)
Represented by Luisa & Maria PonziFounded in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards continues to set the standard for New World Pinot noir. Thriving for more than two decades under second generation ownership and operation, the winery maintains an unwavering commitment to producing cool-climate wines of distinction. One of America’s first women to be formally educated in Burgundy, Winemaker Luisa Ponzi carefully blends formal training with her lifelong experience working alongside father and winery founder, Dick Ponzi, to craft wines of complexity and depth. Ponzi Vineyards’ state-of-the-art winemaking facility and 120 acres of vineyards are certified sustainable, recognizing the winery’s commitment to environmental responsibility in the vineyard and the cellar. Ponzi wines are represented nationally by Wilson Daniels Ltd.. |
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RAPTOR RIDGE WINERY (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Scott & Annie ShullFounded in 1995 by winemaker Scott Shull, Raptor Ridge winery gets its name from the many families of raptors – red-tailed hawks, kestrels, sharp-shinned hawks, and owls – that share the winery's 27-acre estate. The vineyard is named "Tuscowallame" the indigenous word for "place where the owls dwell." Raptor Ridge produces about 7,500 cases of wine per vintage year. Approximately nine different cuvées comprise this case quantity, including Pinot gris, several distinct vineyard designates, and consistent blends of Reserve and Willamette Valley Pinot noir. New to the Raptor Ridge repertoire is their Southern Oregon Tempranillo and Estate Vineyard Grüner Veltliner. Owners Scott and Annie Shull along with assistant winemaker Kevin Wiles regularly taste through and segregate every barrel into these select cuvées. Uncompromised quality is the focus, not quantity. In addition to the Raptor Ridge brand, Scott is the consulting winemaker for a couple other Oregon wine brands. Annie manages business development, and both are very active throughout the Oregon wine industry. Occasionally, the Shulls see each other at home. |
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SASS WINERY (Salem, OR)
Represented by Jerry Sass& Jim McGavinSass Winery produces small amounts of handcrafted Pinot noir, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc that evoke the terroir of its two estate vineyards.Wild Winds Vineyard, at the winery in the South Salem hills, produces bright, high-toned Pinot noir from east and southeast-facing slopes on volcanic soil; Walnut Ridge Vineyard, at the south end of the Willamette Valley, produces Pinot noir with deep, dark-fruit notes and hints of spice from sedimentary soils on southwest-facing slopes. Diversity at each site produces elegant, complex, sharply focused wines with impeccable balance of fruit, silky tannins and firm acidity. Winemaker Jerry Sass, inspired by wines his father made from Finger Lakes grapes in western New York, founded the winery in 1996, believing in natural, non-invasive winemaking. He and his wife, Susan Gage, became partners in 2010 with Jim McGavin and Wendy Golish of Walnut Ridge Vineyard. Today they make 4,000 cases of wine from vineyards that are naturally and sustainably dry-farmed (Walnut Ridge is LIVE-certified) celebrating every small part of each vineyard’s rich ecosystem. . |
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SOLENA ESTATE (Yamhill, OR)
Represented by Laurent Montalieu & Bruno CorneauxAfter successful careers in the Oregon wine industry, the husband and wife team of Laurent Montalieu and Danielle Andrus Montalieu purchased an 80-acre estate to commemorate their marriage. In May 2002, they launched Soléna by releasing their first bottling and, shortly thereafter, opening a tasting room in Carlton. Soléna is the combination of the Spanish and French words Solana and Solene, celebrating the sun and the moon, and the name that Laurent and Danielle gave to their daughter. Their estate property in Yamhill is now home to the new Soléna winery, completed just in time for the 2009 harvest. This state of the art facility focuses on gentle winemaking through gravity flow. Each Soléna wine is handcrafted in small lots often using rotary oak barrel fermenters to achieve a complex style with intense fruit and finely integrated tannins. |
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SOTER VINEYARDS (Carlton, OR)
Represented by James Cahill and Brian SypherTony Soter, who gained recognition as founder of Etude Wines and consultant to such luminaries as Araujo, Shafer, Spottswoode, and Dalle Valle, was in 1997 a veteran of over 21 harvests in the Napa Valley. He brings to Soter Vineyards the experience of more than 30 years in the vineyard and in the cellar, the erudition and attention to detail reflected in countless wines, and most importantly, the desire to make exceptional, estate-grown wines on his own terms. Now settled in the Willamette Valley’s Yamhill-Carlton District, Tony and his family invite you to experience their Mineral Springs Ranch, a place they regard as a haven for raising world-class Oregon Pinot noir and sparkling wines. |
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TENDRIL WINE CELLARS (Gaston, OR)
Represented by Tony Rynders & Samantha PoehlmanTendril Wine Cellars was developed and launched in 2008 by wine industry veteran Tony Rynders. The focus at Tendril is exclusively on small lot Oregon Pinot noir and Chardonnay. Rynders has a Masters degree in enology and viticulture from University of California at Davis, and has made wine in Napa, northern Italy, South Australia, Tuscany, and Oregon. In addition to Tendril, Tony consults on custom wines, winery design, vineyard design, wine quality improvement, and brand establishment. |
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TRISAETUM (Newberg, OR)
Represented by James and Andrea FreyWith its first vines planted in 2005, Trisaetum (tris-say-tum) is a family owned and operated winery located in the heart of Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA. Named after founders Andrea and James Frey’s children (Tristen & Tatum), Trisaetum produces small lots of Pinot noir and Riesling exclusively from its three estate vineyards; a 22-acre vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA (called the Coast Range Estate), a 28-acre vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, and an 8-acre vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA (called the Wichmann Dundee estate). Each vintage, Trisaetum releases 8 different Pinot noirs and 6 different Rieslings from co-winemakers James Frey and Greg McClellan. In addition to his winemaking duties, James is an accomplished artist with work sold and displayed throughout the world. His paintings and photography fill the 1,500 square foot Trisaetum Gallery located at the winery outside Newberg, Oregon. |
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VAN DUZER VINEYARDS (Dallas, OR)
Represented by Florent-Pierre Merlier & Carl ThomaVan Duzer Vineyards is located in the scenic foothills of the Van Duzer Corridor where temperate Pacific air flows into the Willamette Valley at the close of summer days. The 82-acre vineyards experience a more dramatic temperature drop than sites further into the valley, a cooling effect that shapes the ripeness, complexity and structure of the grapes. Pinot noir, the dominate varietal, is grown in eight clonal varieties. Upon purchasing the vineyard in 1998, the owners Carl and Marilynn Thoma gradually implemented sustainable agricultural practices. Van Duzer’s vineyards and winery are certified "sustainable" by LIVE and Salmon Safe. The winery has continually raised quality standards through an evolution in winegrowing protocols, to bring the fruit to its fullest physiological maturity and maximize the extraction of desirable sweet, round elements from the skin tannin while limiting, until late in the fermentation, the extraction of tannic elements from the seed. The results are a consistent purity of fruit and texture in Van Duzer Vineyards wines as well as elegance and balance garnering critical acclaim. |
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WILLAKENZIE ESTATE (Yamhill, OR)
Represented by Bernard Lacroute & Thibaud MandetWillaKenzie Estate is the longtime dream of founder Bernard Lacroute. After a successful career in the tech industry, he decided to return to his Burgundian roots and grow Pinot noir. As he laid the foundation he knew the goal would always be to make wines dedicated to the highest expression of terroir. To honor this idea, he named the winery after the Willakenzie soil on which the vineyards are planted. Construction of the state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winery was completed in 1995, just in time for the first harvest. After nearly two decades, WillaKenzie has remained true to its founding principles. We are dedicated to sustainable and organic farming practices with the goal of making wines that reflect the distinctive character of our land as well as extensive clonal diversity. With respect for French tradition and a nod to American innovation, WillaKenzie wines will be enjoyed for decades to come. |
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WINDERLEA VINEYARD & WINERY(Dundee, OR)
Represented by Bill Sweat & Donna MorrisWinderlea Vineyard & Winery is a boutique winery specializing in the limited production of Pinot noir and Chardonnay from Oregon. Transplanted Bostonians, Bill Sweat and Donna Morris founded Winderlea in 2006 with the purchase of the renowned Goldschmidt Vineyard in the Dundee Hills. The earliest plantings on Winderlea's 20 acre estate vineyard date back to 1974 and include Pommard, Wadenswil and the Coury clones. Their estate vineyard was always farmed gently and with Bill and Donna's purchase in 2006 they introduced more sustainable practices allowing the vineyard to earn its LIVE and Salmon Safe certifications in 2008, a year in which they started to farm organically. In 2009 they began employing biodynamic practices. In addition to their estate wines, Winderlea makes wines with fruit from some of their neighbors in the legendary Dundee Hills including the Maresh, Ana, Juliard and Murto Vineyards. In 2010 they started to purchase fruit from outside of the Dundee Hills from the likes of the Shea, Meredith Mitchell and Crawford-Beck vineyards rounding out an impressive portfolio of wines. The one-time Bostonians now call Dundee Oregon their home and are committed to continuing the traditions of responsible stewardship of the land and the highest quality artisan winemaking. |
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WITNESS TREE VINEYARD (Salem, OR)
Represented by Steven Westby & Heath PayneWitness Tree Vineyard believes that only by tending their own vines can they produce the finest wines, using only grapes grown in their 52 acres of vineyard. Located nine miles northwest of Salem, nestled in the Eola Hills, the site benefits from a southeastern exposure, which allows the vineyard to warm early in the morning sun and stay warm all day. The vineyard is farmed using sustainable agricultural practices and is certified by both the LIVE and Salmon Safe organizations. Witness Tree Vineyard mainly produces premium quality Pinot noir but also grows limited quantities of Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot blanc, and Dolcetto. The winery is owned by Dennis and Carolyn Devine. Steven Westby is winemaker and vineyard manager. |
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ACACIA (Napa, CA)
Represented by Matthew Glynn & Sandra GalvinAcacia is a small winery, open by appointment only, located in the heart of the Carneros district of Napa. Founded in 1979, Acacia was one of the first wineries in the area to establish a reputation for vineyard-designated Pinot noir. The winemaking staff is dedicated to its singular focus on Burgundian-style varietals. Acacia has taken advantage of its years of experience in determining the rootstock and scion material best suited to its unique soil conditions (Haire and Diablo series clay loams) and its exposure both to the sun and to the winds from nearby San Pablo Bay. Dense vine spacing uses the land more efficiently, while expansive trellising and training increase sunlight penetration. Winemaker Matthew Glynn’s Pinot noir style combines traditional and modern techniques to achieve ideal balance, complexity and flavor. |
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ANTHILL FARMS (Healdsburg, CA)
Represented by David and Allison LowAnthony Filiberti, David Low, and Webster Marquez started Anthill Farms as an unusual partnership in 2004. All former cellarhands, they were passionate about meticulously farmed North Coast vineyards as well as the elegant, poised, and tightly-structured wines that these vineyards can produce. Together as co-owners and co-winemakers (but with day jobs), they purchase and produce very small quantities of single-vineyard Pinot noirs from several family-farmed sites in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. They also farm a small plot named Abbey-Harris themselves, high above Boonville in the Anderson Valley. |
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BONACCORSI WINE COMPANY (Santa Maria, CA)
Represented by Jenne Lee Bonaccorsi & Tom BlackIn 1999, Michael and Jenne Lee Bonaccorsi formed the Bonaccorsi Wine Company and set out to produce wine of their own with the love of Burgundy and the Rhone. Since their first vintage in 1999, they continued to strive for improvements not only in winemaking techniques but to improve the quality of the best vineyards in the central coast. "Our goal at the beginning was to move from Santa Barbara to the Russian River Valley, but Michael realized that we could produce wine just as good, if not better in the central coast, especially in the new Santa Rita Hills appellation…all this untapped potential." In January 2004, Michael Bonaccorsi suddenly passed away, leaving behind a legacy of winemaking. Jenne Lee Bonaccorsi continues to make the wine, and in 2007 Bonaccorsi was among the 'Magnificent 30' Pinot producers chosen by Wine Spectator. Bonaccorsi has had their wines served at the White House and continues to source from the best vineyards in the Central Coast. |
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BREGGO CELLARS (Boonville, CA)
Represented by Ryan HodginsBreggo Cellars produces aromatic white wines and Pinot noir from sources throughout the cool Anderson Valley of Mendocino and the true Sonoma Coast. Guided by founding Winemaker Ryan Hodgins, President Jack Bittner, and owner and Alberta native Cliff Lede, Breggo’s wines celebrate their cool climate sources and articulate a tension between acidity and texture. The winery gained international attention in 2008 when Food & Wine Magazine named Breggo the “Best New Winery in America”. That year also saw famed wine critic Robert Parker declare, “One of the best discoveries I have made recently is Breggo Cellars where [they are] making some excellent whites as well as gorgeous Pinot noirs.” |
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CAKEBREAD CELLARS (Rutherford, CA)
Represented by Dennis Cakebread & Stephanie AlstottDennis Cakebread began his career in the wine business while still in school, when he and his two brothers would help out at the family winery, begun by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in 1973. Today, Dennis oversees the sales and marketing initiatives of this now internationally distributed winery, and takes great pride in the winery’s growth and achievements of the last 40 years. Diligence and risk-taking have indeed paid off for Cakebread Cellars. Not content with the critical acclaim of their Chardonnay, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc, Dennis points to their new Pinot noir project in Anderson Valley, an undertaking of nearly 20 years in the making. While admitting that Cakebread isn’t a winery that is known for Pinot noir, Dennis says, “hopefully, someday, we will be. We have two well-sited vineyards in an area that is becoming well known for elegant Pinots.” |
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EDNA VALLEY VINEYARD (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Represented by Monica Belavic & Kelly ConradTucked away in a prime location along California’s Central Coast, Edna Valley Vineyard lies just a few miles from Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo. With its characteristic gentle sunshine, cool maritime fog and rich oceanic and volcanic soils, the Edna Valley appellation boasts California’s longest growing season. This extended growing season allows us more time to coax layered and complex flavors from our fruit. Our winemaking team turns these ideal conditions into something special, meticulously crafting the expressive wines of Edna Valley Vineyard. To winemaker Monica Belavic, crafting wines that represent the beauty of the Central Coast is of equal importance as expressing the intrinsic characteristics of each variety. Along with the rest of the Edna Valley Vineyard winemaking team, Monica takes great care in creating balanced wines that showcase the terroir of the Central Coast. |
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ETUDE (Napa, CA)
Represented by Jon Priest & Rob FischerIn 1982, Etude was founded on the philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard long before the harvest and that superior grape growing diminishes the need for intervention by the winemaker, resulting in authentic varietal expression. The word “Etude” means study in French, and Winemaker Jon Priest echoes Etude’s founder, Tony Soter, when saying there is no better vehicle with which to study the craft of winegrowing than Pinot noir. Today, the Etude story is brought to life on its Estate Vineyards at Grace Benoist Ranch, tucked away in the far northwest corner of the esteemed Carneros Appellation. Known for its 30 year legacy of producing high quality Pinots, as well as its collectible Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, Etude consistently delivers the best of the old and new world styles, combining rich, ripe fruit with an elegant structure. |
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FAILLA (St. Helena, CA)
Represented by Ehren Jordan & Kathy BerezFAILLA is dedicated to sourcing cool climate fruit from the extreme coastal areas of Sonoma County. Winemaker Ehren Jordan began his career with a two-year apprenticeship in the Rhône, followed by years of making wines for Neyers Vineyards and Turley Wine Cellars. Ehren and his wife Anne-Marie Failla founded FAILLA in 1998 and since then have built a winery and wine caves in St. Helena, as well as a reputation around a growing portfolio of wines that include Pinot noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay influenced by Ehren’s viticultural training in France. In 2008, The San Francisco Chronicle named Ehren “Winemaker of the Year”. Robert Parker, Jr., describes FAILLA as “A top-notch source of high quality, European-inspired wines that combine flavor intensity and elegance.” |
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FLOWERS VINEYARD & WINERY (Cazadero, CA)
Represented by Darrin Low & Dave KeatleyPerched on top of soaring coastal ridges and just two miles from the rugged Pacific Ocean, the two estate vineyards of Flowers Vineyard and Winery were some of the first planted on the “extreme” Sonoma Coast. Elevation, ranging from 1,150 to 1,875 feet, ensures that maritime breezes and coastal fogs cool the vineyards during the heat of summer allowing fruit to fully mature with fresh, complex flavors and lively acidity. The well-known San Andreas Rift comes ashore nearby at Ft. Ross and is responsible for much of the geological movement in the region and has influenced both Sea View Ridge and Camp Meeting Ridge vineyards. The underlying, or parent material of the vineyard soils was once ocean floor. Through cataclysmic events of fault movements that generated great heat and pressure, the marine sedimentary rock was transformed into fault gouge material consisting of rocks like schist, shale, sandstone, greywacke, and greenstone. These ancient rocks and weathered soils help to control vine vigor on our estate and create wines of depth with bright fruit, earth, and mineral characteristics – wines that reflect a true “sense of place”. |
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GAINEY VINEYARD (Santa Ynez, CA)
Represented by John Falcone & Jeff LeBardGainey Ranch is the most diversified farming operation in Santa Ynez Valley. With vineyards, vegetables, fruit, hay crops, cattle and horses, the 1,800 acre-ranch embodies the Wild West and has since father and son, Daniel C. and Daniel J. Gainey purchased the property in 1962, the same year the latter’s son, Daniel H., or Dan was born. The three generations of Gaineys have shaped the ranch into a thriving estate of innovation while preserving the region’s heritage. In the 1980’s, the Gaineys were among the first to plant vines and build a winery in the area. Later, they were the first to have vineyard holdings in both the warmer eastern Santa Ynez Valley and the cooler western Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Today, the Gainey family produces Bordeaux and Burgundy varietal wines from these two outstanding regions; and is committed to farming sustainably to protect its workers, benefit the environment and produce excellent wines. |
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GARY FARRELL VINEYARDS AND WINERY (Healdsburg, CA)
Represented by Theresa Heredia & Nancy BaileyA pioneer in Russian River Valley winegrowing, Gary Farrell Winery has been crafting small-lot artisan wines that capture the balance and stylistic elegance of some of the finest vineyards in California, including Rochioli, Hallberg and Bien Nacido. Our 30-year legacy, producing Burgundian-styled, varietally expressive, site-specific Pinot noir and Chardonnay, is being expertly tended by winemaker Theresa Heredia at the beautifully designed winery on Westside Road near Healdsburg in northern Sonoma County. Theresa came to Gary Farrell from Freestone Vineyards in the Sonoma Coast, where she achieved significant critical acclaim, including “Winemaker to Watch” honors from the San Francisco Chronicle. |
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HIRSCH VINEYARDS (Cazadero, CA)
Represented by Jasmine Hirsch & Ross CobbHirsch Vineyards is recognized as one of the premier sites for Pinot noir in the New World. David Hirsch planted his vineyard overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the extreme Sonoma Coast in 1980, and since then it has become one of a leading source for premium Pinot noir grapes, providing fruit to Littorai, Williams Selyem and Kistler, among others. Since 2002, David has been producing his own estate Pinot noir and Chardonnay from this complex, cool-weather site. These are wines of balance, concentration, complexity and site-specificity. In 2010, Ross Cobb joined as winemaker, bringing many years of experience working with western Sonoma Coast vineyards as the head winemaker at Flowers Winery. |
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KUTCH WINES (San Francisco, CA)
Represented by Jamie Kutch & Kristen GreenSelf-described “wine geek” Jamie Kutch left a career as a stock trader in 2005 to pursue his dream. “I was closely following the progress of Pinot Noir online, and when wine consumption in America surpassed beer around 2004, I decided to go for it,”. Kutch is now producing 3,000 cases a year, most of which is sold via a mailing list. From sales to production, website design and driving truck-loads of fruit, he has yet to be turned down after presenting his wine to some of the country’s top beverage directors. "To me, he's in the top five producers in America," pronounces Rajat Parr, the wine director for Chef Michael Mina's Mina Group. Kutch lives in San Francisco, owns most of his equipment housed at a winery in Sonoma and has over 25 acres leased through acreage contracts mostly on the Sonoma Coast. Kutch’s philosophy is to utilize classic, old world techniques and let the grapes and sense of place where they are grown both speak for themselves. |
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LAETITIA VINEYARD & WINERY (Arroyo Grande, CA)
Represented by Eric Hickey & Lino BozzanoAt Laetitia, we are passionate about producing premium estate wines that showcase the distinctive qualities of the Arroyo Grande Valley. Located in Southern San Luis Obispo County of California’s Central Coast, our coastal property overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Originally known for Methodé Champenoise sparkling wines, we are just as well known for handcrafted Pinot noir, Chardonnay and more. Made from fruit grown in the ideal coastal conditions of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA, Laetitia Estate wines encapsulate the moments, sites, and people who pour their lives into ensuring the excellence of every sip. |
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SAINTSBURY (Napa, CA)
Represented by Jérôme Chéry & Chris KajaniSince 1981 Saintsbury has been committed to demonstrating that world-class Pinot noir is a California mainstay. The winery was founded by Dick Ward and David Graves who believe innovation and a critical look at vineyard, terroir, and winemaking is the best route to quality. Today with winemaker Jérôme Chéry and associate winemaker Chris Kajani, Saintsbury continues to pursue the “philosophy of investigation” that has helped make Saintsbury one of America’s foremost Pinot noir producers. |
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SOJOURN CELLARS (Sonoma, CA)
Represented by Craig Haserot & Randy BennettOver ten years ago, Sojourn Cellars was founded with the desire of creating high-quality, terroir-driven wines that are accessible to enthusiasts and collectors alike. With the shared vision of longtime friends Craig Haserot, proprietor, and winemaker Erich Bradley, Sojourn Cellars has distinguished itself by producing exceptional Pinot noir wines complemented by small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In crafting its high-end wines, Sojourn partners with extraordinary vineyard sources and assists in directing farming operations to assure that the grapes are produced using world-class growing techniques. Erich employs artisanal winemaking techniques to produce Sojourn’s highly rated wines, and describes his style as New World complemented by Old World sensibilities. |
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BLUE MOUNTAIN VINEYARD AND CELLARS (Okanagan Falls, BC)
Represented by Matt and Christie MavetyAlong with exceptional terroir, owners Ian, Jane, Matt and Christie Mavety credit their success to the integrity of their estate. To the Mavety family, "estate" means more than the piece of land; it extends to the practice of both viticulture and wine making by the same owner-operators. At Blue Mountain, it also means the use of 100% estate-grown grapes. The Mavetys acquired the land in 1971, overlooking Vaseaux Lake. Focusing on varietal wines made from Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Gamay noir, and Pinot noir, Blue Mountain strives to produce complex, age-worthy wines, consistent in style while allowing the expression of both the terroir and the individual growing season. |
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NORMAN HARDIE (Wellington, Ontario)
Represented by Norman HardieNorman Hardie Winery is situated in the midst of its vines in beautiful Prince Edward County. Norman Hardie, owner and winemaker, worked for the best producers of Pinot noir and Chardonnay in Burgundy, Oregon, California, New Zealand and South Africa prior to putting down roots in The County. Right from his inaugural vintage his wines have garnered international acclaim, including Matt Kramer’s (Wine Spectator) wine of the year in 2011. All the wines are made in small batches as naturally as possible, with the philosophy that great wine starts in the vineyard. The wines are crafted using traditional methods to express terroir. Natural yeasts build layers of complexity, lees contact develops structure and malolactic fermentation in late spring rounds out the Pinot noir and Chardonnay. Norman Hardie’s wines tell a story of place developed from his passion and expertise. Wines can be found across Canada, the US, China and Japan. |