The Featured Wineries of 2012 will announced in February. See below for the 2011 featured wineries.
NORTH AMERICA
All Featured Wineries are listed alphabetically by region. Scroll down for Oregon, California, Canada, and Washington Featured Wineries.
‣OREGON, USA
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ADELSHEIM VINEYARD (Newberg, OR)
Represented by David Adelsheim & Michael AdelsheimEstablished 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 & 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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ANTICA TERRA (Dundee, OR)
Represented by Maggie Harrison and Nate ReadyAntica Terra is a rugged 40-acre parcel nestled in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of the Willamette Valley. The vineyard sits on a gently sloping hillside of shallow, well-drained soil, underlain by sandstone and siltstone and formed from old alluvium—la antica terra. A variety of Pinot Noir clones were densely planted beginning in 1990, and subsequent plantings have brought our total to six producing acres. Vine yields are kept low to develop concentrated flavors as well as to hasten ripening before the fall rains. The vineyard management practices we employ strive for an ecological balance between the vines and the surrounding oak savannah habitat, while emphasizing techniques which enliven the soil and nurture the overall health of the vineyard. It is our hope that the reverence we bring to the management and care of the Antica Terra Vineyard will contribute to producing rich and distinctive wines that express the unique character of the terroir and pinot noir grape. |
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ARCHERY SUMMIT (Dundee, OR)
Represented by Anna MatzingerSince 1993, Archery Summit has been committed to producing superior quality Pinot noir from 115 acres of estate vineyards in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. There, the Jory soils of the Dundee Hills AVA make this geographic area one of the finest Pinot noir producing regions of the world. The vineyards are densely planted, vertically trellised, and sustainably farmed to ensure the greatest quality fruit. The wines are moved through a state-ofthe- art facility entirely by gravity, which does not compromise this delicate varietal’s integrity and subtle nuances. Fruit is sourced from Archery Summit Estate, Arcus Estate, Red Hills Estate, Renegade Ridge Estate, and their newest site located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, Looney Vineyard. Expressive wines from each of these vineyards also create the backbone of the exceptional blend, Premier Cuvée. |
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ARGYLE (Dundee, OR)
Represented by Rollin SolesEstablished 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 (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 (Carlton, OR)
Represented by Brian and 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-yearold, 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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BRICK HOUSE WINE CO. (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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CLAWSON CREEK (Carlton, OR)
Represented by Rob & Kim Clawson RosensteinAntony Beck and Robert Rosenstein met in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1994 and discovered an avid, mutual interest in wine. They soon kicked off an arduous eight-year quest to possess farmland that could provide exemplary fruit intrinsic to a superlative varietal. The two men agreed that Pinot noir was the wine they wanted to produce as, in their estimation, there is no better wine to accompany food. The style of wine and the search for a site in Oregon was greatly influenced by their partners in the project, Angela Beck and Dr. Kim Clawson Rosenstein. With the help of legendary Oregon viticulturalist and winemaker Ken Wright, they identified an exceptional site on Savannah Ridge in the Yamhill-Carlton District of Oregon. The first 21 acres of the Clawson Creek Vineyard were planted in 2006 with Pinot Noir clones 777, Wadenswill and 115, with an additional 13 acres planted in 2007, totaling 34 acres. The Savannah Ridge site has astonishing soil depths that produce even, balanced ripening throughout the vineyard. The result is a superior wine. |
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COOPER MOUNTAIN (Beaverton, OR)
Represented by Gilles de Domingo & Barbara GrossThe philosophy at Cooper Mountain Vineyards is simple. To craft authentic wines with minimalistic intervention while respecting the soils they originate from. In 1978 Dr. Robert Gross and family planted their first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. Today Cooper Mountain Vineyards farms 123 acres scattered throughout the Northern Willamette Valley, gaining organic certification in 1995 and biodynamic Demeter certification in 1999. Winemaker Gilles de Domingo joined the winery in 2004 and strives to not make wine for the masses, but rather those seeking wines that have soul. Because after all wine is memory of land. |
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DOMAINE DROUHIN OREGON (Dundee, OR)
Represented by David Millman & Arron BellFounded in 1988, Domaine Drouhin Oregon produces stunning Pinot noir and Chardonnay wines that are noted internationally for their pure expression of fruit, superior balance, silky texture, and classical elegance. The 225- acre estate is home to 115 acres of high-density vineyards, planted atop Oregon’s Dundee Hills. The wines are hand crafted by fourth-generation winemaker Véronique Drouhin-Boss, using traditional Burgundian techniques in Domaine Drouhin Oregon’s four-level gravity flow winery. It is Véronique’s mission to handle the fruit gently, allowing the wines to reveal the true character of the vineyard and the vintage. The result is wines of lovely balance. |
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DUKES FAMILY VINEYARD (Amity, OR)
Represented by Pat and Jackie DukesDukes Family Vineyards artisanal wines are hand crafted in the Carlton Winemaker’s Studio, one of the nation’s first “green” LEED certified, gravity-driven, cooperative winemaking facilities. The wines are food friendly, elegant rather than over stated. A minimalist approach to winemaking is utilized allowing a true reflection of the unique terroir and complexity characteristics of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA vineyard to be fully expressed. Dukes Family Vineyards is the realization of a dream; a passion growing out of a love of great food and exceptional wine. As conservators of the land, there is a commitment to low-impact, ecologically sound sustainability in the farming methodologies and to the continual improvement of the vineyard environment. The vineyards of Dukes Family Vineyards are Sustainable and Salmon Safe certified by LIVE. |
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ELK COVE VINEYARDS (Gaston, OR)
Represented by Adam Godlee 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 Boheme, 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 & Jerry OlsenAs 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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EVENING LAND VINEYARDS (Salem, OR)
Represented by Isabelle Meunier & Larry StoneFirst established in 2005 with The Occidental Vineyard on the far Sonoma Coast of California, Evening Land Vineyards now organically farms over 120 acres of heritage vineyards that produce 13 estate wines. From the volcanic soils of the storied Seven Springs Vineyard in the Eola Hills of Oregon, to the fog wrapped ridges of the Sonoma Coast, to the windswept mountains of fossilized sea shells at The Tempest Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, Evening Land wines explore the sensitivity of pinot noir and chardonnay in these diverse backdrops. Recently, Evening Land expanded this varied picture of pinot noir and chardonnay with maison-crafted Burgundian wines through ELV Cote d’Or, a winery established in Burgundy. Winemaking at The Seven Springs Vineyard is in the hands of Burgundy trained Isabelle Meunier. Dominique Lafon of Les Comtes de Lafon in Meursault serves as consulting winemaker. All of Evening Land’s California wines are made by Sashi Moorman. Christophe Vial, in consultation with Dominique Lafon, serves as the winemaker for ELV Cote d’Or. |
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THE EYRIE VINEYARDS (McMinnville, OR)
Represented by Jason Lett & Russ MargachStarting with “3,000 grape cuttings and a theory,” in 1965 the late David Lett (aka Papa Pinot) rooted the Willamette Valley’s first plantings of Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot gris. Together, David and his wife Diana founded The Eyrie Vineyards, producing the Willamette Valley’s first bottled vintage in 1970. In 1979 and 1980, the Eyrie Vineyards 1975 South Block Reserve was the first New World Pinot noir to compete successfully against the Pinot noir of Burgundy. Through the years, Eyrie wines have maintained a reputation for elegance, refined expression, and ageworthiness. Today, Eyrie is helmed by Jason Lett, who grew up in the vineyards and winery. He continues his parents’ philosophy of interfering as little as possible with the processes of Mother Nature and encouraging the expression of true varietal flavor. |
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J.K.CARRIERE (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Jim Prosser and 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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KING ESTATE (Eugene, OR)
Represented by Jeff Kandarian & Sasha KadeyKing Estate is located southwest of Eugene, Oregon and produces Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and limited amounts of Chardonnay. Founded in 1991 by the King family, King Estate is committed to producing Oregon wines of exceptional quality using organic & sustainable farming methods, meticulous fruit selection, impeccable winemaking practices and judicious blending.The beautiful estate of 1,033 acres is certified organic and includes 470 acres of organic vineyards, as well as 30 acres of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The Estate is crowned by the charming, European-style winery, where the winemaking process is also certified organic. |
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LUMOS (McMinnville, OR)
Represented by Dai Crisp & PK McCoyThe Lumos Wine Co. was launched in 2000 by Dai Crisp, dashing grape grower and winemaker, and his groovy wife and business partner, PK McCoy. With the help of his dauntless crew, Dai grows all of the fruit that goes into the Lumos wines using organic-based fertilizers, certified organic fungicides and mechanical cultivation rather than herbicides. The Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer come from Temperance Hill Vineyard (Dai’s day job), Wren Vineyard (estate vineyard) and Logsdon Ridge Vineyard (aka Rudolfo). Lumos is a small operation at just 2,200 cases per year and Dai does all the winemaking along with Julia Cattrall, his incredibly thoughtful and outstanding assistant. The wines are all carefully crafted with minimal intervention so that the final product clearly reflects the vintage both in terms of weather and terroir. Food Alliance and Salmon Safe certified. Taking care of our people and our planet…it’s what we do. |
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MATELLO (Newberg, 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 our 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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MAYSARA (McMinnville, OR)
Represented by Moe & Tahmiene MomtaziMaysara Winery was established in 2001. It is located in Southwest foothills of McMinnville, Oregon.In 1997, Momtazi Family purchased 532 acres of abandoned wheat farm.Working very delightedly for several years we converted it into a Demeter Certified Biodynamic® Vineyard in 2005. Our effort from the beginning was to make our farm self contained and self efficient.We are happy to announce that no fertilizer is imported to our farm.All of the compost, preps, medicinal herbs and flowers are grown in our own farm to be used as needed to bring back the health to our environment and therefore consumers. Today, with 250 acres of planted vines Maysara produces Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir Rosé.Tahmiene Momtazi in the summer of 2007 joined Maysara Winery as winemaker with the goal of creating very natural and low impact winemaking.Maysara is Demeter Certified Biodynamic® Winery since 2007.We follow hands off approach to winemaking and do not use commercial additives.We revere what Mother Nature in its purest form reward us with to produce wines with intensity, balance and elegance to maintain purity for you to enjoy. |
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MONTINORE ESTATE (Forest Grove, OR)
Represented by Rudy & Kristin MarchesiPlanted 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 our estate vineyards, Montinore creates wines true to their varietal and our special place in the Northern Willamette Valley. |
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PENNER-ASH WINERY (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Lynn & Ron Penner-AshPenner-Ash Wine Cellars embodies the spirit and passion of small producers focusing on Pinot noir in the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon. After working for some of Napa’s premier wineries and Rex Hill Vineyards in Oregon, Lynn Penner-Ash and her husband Ron started Penner-Ash Wine Cellars in 1998. In the winery, the focus is on small-lot indigenous yeast fermentation with extended cold soaks to extract a rich, fruit-focused and textured mouth feel. Each lot is treated individually and depending on the outcome, either blended into a reserve quality Willamette Valley Pinot noir or bottled separately as a vineyard designate. Although the focus is Pinot noir, Penner-Ash also produces limited quantities of Syrah, Riesling, and Viognier sourced from warmer growing regions in the Rouge River Valley to the south and the Columbia River Gorge to the northeast of the Willamette Valley. A sustainable three-level gravity winery building is sited within the estate vineyard. |
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PONZI VINEYARDS (Beaverton, OR)
Represented by Luisa Ponzi & Maria Ponzi FogelstromCelebrating 40 years in 2010, Ponzi Vineyards continues to set the standard for New World Pinot noir. Thriving for the past 20 years under its second generation, the winery maintains its unwavering commitment to producing top quality cool climate varietals and practicing responsible stewardship of the land. One of America's first women to be formally educated in Burgundy, Winemaker Luisa Ponzi, carefully blends her passion with true expertise, crafting wines of complexity and depth. Her brother-sister management team, Michel and Maria, oversee the operation and the family's 120 acres of LIVE Certified Sustainable vineyards, located within the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Ponzi wines are represented nationally by Wilson Daniels Ltd. |
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REX HILL VINEYARDS AND WINERY (Newberg, OR)
Represented by TBDKnown for excellence for over 25 years, Rex Hill crafts elegant, balanced wines with a clear sense of place. Built around an old fruit and nut dryer and surrounded by biodynamic vineyards at the gateway to the Willamette Valley, the beautiful winery is the perfect first stop in wine country. In addition to a friendly and knowledgeable tasting room staff, Rex Hill offers wine education courses and fun mini-seminars on the weekends or by pre-arrangement. Now owned by the families at A to Z Wineworks, the Rex Hill legacy of superior Pinot noir continues. The group brings combined Oregon winemaking experience that spans more than two decades and three continents as well as high energy, commitment, and passion for Oregon Pinot noir. |
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SHEA (Newberg, OR)
Represented by Dick and Deirdre SheaFounded by Dick and Deirdre Shea in 1996, Shea Wine Cellars is a producer of world-class Pinot noir and Chardonnay, all made from fruit sourced from Shea Vineyard. Shea Wine Cellars was a natural outgrowth of Shea Vineyard, which was first planted to wine grapes in 1989 in a then-untried viticulture area. The 200-acre vineyard property lies in the Willamette Valley’s Yamhill- Carlton District AVA and supplies fruit to some of Oregon and California’s finest wineries. Current production at Shea Wine Cellars is 5,200 cases of Pinot noir and 400 cases of Chardonnay. Shea Wine Cellars is committed to remaining small and focuses on limited production and small-lot fermentation releases. |
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SOKOL BLOSSER (Dundee, OR)
Represented by Russ Rosner & Alex Sokol BlosserIn 1971, Susan Sokol Blosser and Bill Blosser planted grapes on just five acres in the Dundee Hills. As one of the pioneering wineries of the region, Sokol Blosser has played a key role in developing and shaping the now prominent Oregon wine industry, leading the way with research in vineyard cover crops, crop load, canopy management, and sustainable vineyard and winery practices. Their barrel cellar set a precedent as the first winery building in the country to attain the U.S. Green Building Council's prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The winery is family-owned and operated with second-generation siblings, Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser, at the helm. Drawing from a now 75-acre certified organic estate vineyard, winemaker Russ Rosner works to create wines of world-class quality, produced in a sustainable manner, which reflect the distinctive flavors of the grapes, soil, and climate, as well as the winery's values and sense of place. |
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SOTER (Carlton, OR)
Represented by Tony Soter and James CahillTony 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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STOLLER (Dayton, OR)
Represented by Bill Stoller & Melissa BurrStoller’s first vines were planted in 1995. The 150-acre vineyard is part of a 373-acre parcel located on the southern slopes of the Dundee Hills. This particular knoll is fondly known as “Corton Hill” by local winegrowers, referencing its similarity to the famed wraparound hillside in Burgundy. The first wine release was the Stoller Estate 2001 Pinot Noir. With the completion of their winery in September of 2005, they earned the title as Oregon’s first and only LEED-Gold Certified, solar powered, gravity-flow winery. Stoller is dedicated to producing premium Pinot noir and Chardonnay. |
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TORII MOR (Dundee, OR)
Represented by Margie Olson & Jacques TardyTorii Mor Winery was founded in 1993 by Donald Olson, MD, who remains the owner to this day with his wife, Margie. Since its modest beginnings with just over 1,000 cases, Torii Mor has blossomed into a super-premium winery that focuses on small lots of handcrafted vineyard-designated Pinot noir with an annual production of 15,000 cases. With Burgundy in his blood, Winemaker Jacques Tardy is passionately producing world-class Pinot noir in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. With a commitment to preserving the environment and Earth, Torii Mor farms sustainably, while continuing to craft high-quality, complex wines that possess a quiet elegance. Having achieved LIVE Certification and LEED-Gold Certification on the new solar array, gravity flow winery in the Dundee Hills, Torii Mor continues to cultivate a sustainable business that respects the environment and assesses carbon and energy usage. It is truly an honor to be a featured Winery at IPNC 2011. |
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TWELVE (Carlton, OR)
Represented by John and Linda LenyoWe’re pretty sure Twelve is unique in one way. It has to be the only winery at this event whose name evolved from a scene from the movie “This is Spinal Tap” (type in “goes to eleven” in YouTube sometime and you’ll know why we had to go to twelve). In 1998 we purchased a vineyard with 5 acres of vines in the foothills of the Coast Range just west of the town of Carlton. We added another 7.5 acres in 2000 and the vines now range in age from 10-25 years old. Our first commercial vintage was 2003. To date all Twelve wines have only been produced from the fruit of our own vineyard. All of our production is Pinot Noir except for a tiny amount of Estate White that’s a field blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Our winemaking choices will reflect the vintage – we’ll vary whole cluster percentages, time in barrel and new oak percentages based on what we get from the vineyard – but when it comes to the final blends, it always comes down to what we like and we just hope we can find enough other people to agree with us. |
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WILLAKENZIE (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, we hope you will enjoy our wines for decades to come. |
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YAMHILL VALLEY VINEYARDS (McMinnville, OR)
Represented by Denis & Greg BurgerYamhill Valley Vineyards was established in 1983 on a 150-acre estate in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range. The family-owned winery is the oldest in the recently recognized McMinnville AVA. Yamhill Valley Vineyards makes Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. From the beginning they have been stubbornly dedicated to the atypical characteristics of the AVA, and more specifically, of their clay-rich site. The goal is to capture the perfect expression of robust intensity and charm that their unique terroir produces. All wines are estate-grown. |
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ACACIA VINEYARD (Napa, CA)
Represented by Matthew Glynn & Angela BortugnoAcacia 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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ALMA ROSA WINERY & VINEYARD (Buellton, CA)
Represented by Richard & Thekla SanfordRichard Sanford came to the Santa Ynez Valley 40 years ago with the desire to create world class wines. First to recognize the potential of the Santa Rita Hills and first to plant vineyards there, he is a pioneer with a well established reputation for excellence in winemaking. Working in partnership for more than 34 years, Thekla and Richard Sanford’s latest adventure, Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards, represents the culmination of a life’s experience. It is an enterprise dedicating to creating high quality wines and setting a benchmark for organic farming, sustainable agricultural methods, and environmentally-friendly commerce. Alma Rosa Winery offers Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Vin-Gris (dry Rose), Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. All estate vineyards are in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and are the first vineyards to have organic certification in Santa Barbara County. The rustic tasting room at Rancho El Jabali is open from 11:00 am to 4:30pm daily. |
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AU BON CLIMAT (Santa Maria, CA)
Represented by Jim ClendenenFounded in 1982, Au Bon Climat (which means "a well-exposed vineyard") produces internationally-recognized Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc wine from grapes grown in California's Santa Barbara County. The Au Bon Climat winery is located on the world-famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, and is owned by winemaker Jim Clendenen. Au Bon Climat was listed on Robert Parker's Best Wineries of the World in both 1989 and 1990, while Jim Clendenen has been named Winemaker of the Year in 1992 by the Los Angeles Times, and Winemaker of the Year in 2001 by Food and Wine Magazine. |
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COBB (Occidental, CA)
Represented by Ross and David CobbIn 2001, two generations of the Cobb family came together to explore a shared passion for pinot noir with the founding of Cobb Wines. Focused exclusively on crafting single-vineyard, Sonoma Coast pinot noirs, Cobb Wines combines the winegrowing expertise of David Cobb—one of the pioneers of pinot noir viticulture on the far Sonoma Coast—with the winemaking talents of his son, noted pinot noir specialist Ross Cobb. Since the founding in 2001, the Cobb Wines vineyard program has evolved to include four other hand-tended, independently owned vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. Though these vineyards share certain essential Sonoma Coast characteristics, they each have individual soil types, subtly different microclimates, and unique combinations of pinot noir selections. Not only does this diversity distinguish the Cobb Wines portfolio, it also ensures Ross and David access to excellent fruit every vintage. In the winery, Ross focuses on a style of pinot noir that authentically reflects the terroir of each vineyard, striving for a more complex, aromatic, lower-alcohol expression of the varietal picked at lower Brix and aged with a modest amount of new French oak. By remaining true to this elegant and complex style, Cobb Wines has earned a reputation for crafting benchmark single-vineyard, Sonoma Coast pinot noirs. |
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COPAIN (Healdsburg, CA)
Represented by Wells Guthrie & Jay LathamCopain Wine Cellars was founded in 1999 by Wells Guthrie and Kevin McQuown with just 200 cases of Pinot from Dennison Vineyard in Anderson Valley. Since then, they have grown to about 2500 cases of vineyarddesignated and 4000 cases of appellation Pinot noir. The two were attracted to the Anderson Valley for its beauty as well as the true cool climate and pure expressions ofPinot noir the region produces. The vineyards are all organically farmed. This ideology is applied at the winery, where all fermentations occur with native yeast and the goal is to gently extract the flavors given from the vineyard with minimal intervention by replacing punchdowns with pumping over just once a day to avoid any hard physical extraction, and using a maximum of 30 percent new French oak. Picking with lower potential alcohols over the past few vintages has let the purity and expression of each site shine: naturally keeping the wines lower in alcohol has resulted in retaining a brighter, more lively acidity and freshness on the palate making the wines more enjoyable with food. |
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DOMAIN CHANDON (Yountville, CA)
Represented by Joel BurtBorn and raised in California’s Central Valley by a family of organic table grape farmers, Joel was primed in vineyards and viticulture from an early age. During his exposure to grape growing in his youth, he learned valuable farming lessons and the vast distinctiveness of grape varieties. The table grape grower’s ideal of large crops with big bunches and huge berries are a stark contrast for Joel now in the role of winemaker, where small clusters with tiny berries of low yielding fruit is prized for their richness in colors, flavors and aromas He believes that gentle vineyard handling, Burgundian winemaking techniques, and small batch production are imperative in crafting balanced and complex Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. In his years at Domaine Chandon, Joel has been able to gain extensive knowledge of the estate vineyards which allows him to maximize their potential to yield wines that are a full expression of the site. During his tenure he’s also become an avid adherent of optimal cellaring to enhance the elegance and extend the longevity of recent vintage wines. |
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FAILLA (St. Helena, CA)
Represented by Ehren JordanFounded in 1998, Failla is the project of winemaker Ehren Jordan and his wife Anne-Marie Failla. Failla is dedicated to sourcing fruit from cool-climate vineyards in the coastal areas of California and making wine using traditional Burgundian methods. Ehren began his career in the California wine industry in 1994, followed by a sojourn in Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. Upon his return and after many years of making wines for both Neyers Vineyards and Turley Wine Cellars, Ehren decided to lay down his own bricks and mortar. Ehren loves to experiment with his favorite varietals, coaxing out their various incarnations from different climates (cool, cooler and coolest), soil types, and rootstock. After cutting his teeth on Pinot noir in 1999 with fruit from Keefer Ranch, in the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley, Ehren seized the opportunity in 2001 to produce Pinot from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, courtesy of the Goldschmidt Vineyard. Ehren produced a total of seven different Pinot noir wines from the California Sonoma Coast for the 2007 vintage. |
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GLORIA FERRER (Sonoma, CA)
Represented by Bob Iantosca & Jud CarrollGloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards joins INPC in celebrating our 25th anniversaries this year. As the first sparkling wine house in California’s Sonoma Carneros region, Gloria Ferrer embodies Spanish winegrowing history, time-honored tradition, and centuries-old sustainable practices in creating exceptional sparkling and estate varietal wines. With most of our 335-acre estate dedicated to Pinot Noir, we are steadfast in our belief that this enigmatic variety brings a timeless grace to our sparkling and estate varietal wines. Our longtime winegrowing team of Vineyard Manager Mike Crumly and Winemakers Bob Iantosca, and Steven Urberg use a gentle hand with our Pinot Noir, carefully preserving the grape’s unique capacity for reflecting terroir, and the elegance and balance that makes Pinot Noir the ultimate food wine. From the gathering of heirloom vines to experimenting with trials and cultivating new vineyards, our commitment to the creation of estate varietal Pinot Noir runs deep. |
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HIRSCH (Cazadero, CA)
Represented by David and Marie HirschHirsch 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 noirs and chardonnays 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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KOSTA BROWNE WINERY (Sebastopol, CA)
Represented by Shane Finley, Ryan O'Donnell & Tony LombardiKosta Browne began as a dream shared by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne in the summer of 1997, while working at John Ash & Co. restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA. Their mission was to craft world-class Pinot Noirs from the best sources in California. Today, along with partner Chris Costello, Kosta Browne has risen from obscurity to the status of industry leader, producing one of the most sought after new world Pinot Noirs. |
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LIOCO (Saratoga, CA)
Represented by Matt Licklider & Kevin O'ConnorLIOCO is the result of a years-long conversation between Matt Licklider (a seasoned wine import specialist) and Kevin O’Connor (former wine director at Michelin Two-Star Spago- Beverly Hills) about whether California could produce a true “wine of origin.” After gathering opinions on the subject from some of the world’s great wine producers, they arrived at their conclusion: California can achieve a wine of origin, provided certain protocols are adhered to – both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Inspired by traditional European winegrowing practices, LIOCO seeks out vineyard sites with tougher soil, older vines, and select clones. Then, they simply shepherd the grapes from bud to bottle in the least intrusive way possible. LIOCO’s focus is on naturally-fermented Chardonnay (in 100 percent stainless steel) and Pinot noir (in neutral French Oak).. |
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MOUNT EDEN VINEYARDS (Saratoga, CA)
Represented by Jeffrey & Ellie PattersonMount Eden Vineyards is a small historic wine estate perched at 2000 feet overlooking Silicon Valley, in the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation, about 50 miles south of San Francisco. Founded in 1943 by wine pioneer Martin Ray, it is recognized as one of the original “boutique” California winery properties, focusing on small lots of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mount Eden’s lineage of estate bottled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is the longest in California. The forty acres planted in austere, infertile Franciscan shale on a cool, exposed mountaintop have consistently produced world-class wines for over a half-century. Since 1981 Jeffrey Patterson has guided the winemaking and grape growing at Mount Eden, with an emphasis wine growing rather than winemaking. In 2007, Mount Eden acquired a nearby mountaintop wine estate christened Domaine Eden which specializes in Pinot Noir. Mount Eden also produces non estate Chardonnay from the Wolff Vineyard in Edna Valley. |
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PORTER CREEK (Healdsburg, CA)
Represented by Alex & Ann DavisOwned and operated by father and son, Porter Creek is a winery and vineyard estate located in the Russian River Valley. Winemaker Alex Davis carries on the winegrowing tradition begun by his father, George Davis, in the 1970s. Alex brings a childhood spent pruning vines and rolling barrels, a B.S. degree in Enology from Fresno University, and years of experience in France working with such renowned winemakers as Christophe Roumier, Bernard Michelot, and Marcel Guigal. The estate vineyards are all organic and Demeter (biodynamic) certified. Alex sources local vineyards of Rhone varietals, primarily Syrah, Carignane, Zinfandel, and Viognier. The wines are handcrafted using old-world methods, adapted and inspired to Northern California’s milieu. Alex employs natural fermentation and selects French oak barrels for aging to enhance, but not obscure and overwhelm, fruit and body. Careful handcrafting and attention to detail result in finished wines of exceptional purity and refined character. |
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ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY (Oakville, CA)
Represented by Gustavo Gonzalez & Gary MidyetteWhen Robert Mondavi founded the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery in 1966, his vision was to create fine Napa Valley wines that would stand in the company of the great wines of the world. With a firm conviction that the personality of great wines is a result of soil, climate, vineyard management, and winemaking philosophy, the winery continues to pursue Robert Mondavi’s goal of excellence with the same passion and innovative spirit, moving forward with technology and programs that break barriers and open new frontiers. For more than four decades now, Robert Mondavi Winery has led California’s wine industry—and much of the world—with innovations in winegrowing and winemaking, as well as educational and cultural outreach. And the vision of founder Robert Mondavi, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 94, continues to inspire the winery and vineyard teams to always reach higher. |
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RODNEY STRONG VINEYARD (Healdsburg, CA)
Represented by Rick Sayre & Robert LarsenRodney Strong Vineyards was founded in 1959 on the recognition of Sonoma County’s potential for excellence. It was the 13th bonded winery in the county. Through decades of grape-growing and winemaking, we continue to fulfill the promise of the fine land. Since 1989, the Klein family, who has been involved in California agriculture for four generations, has privately owned the winery. Their passion for sustainable farming practices, solar power and other green business practices led us to become Sonoma County’s first carbon neutral winery. The winery’s 14 unique estate vineyards represent a perfect combination of varietal selection and place, the unique soil and climate as well as farming and winemaking techniques. Rodney Strong Vineyards grows and produces wines from grapes grown exclusively in Sonoma County’s finest appellations: Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill and Sonoma Coast. Rodney Strong Vineyards is dedicated to crafting world-class wines that capture the essence of Sonoma County. |
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SAINTSBURY WINERY (Napa, CA)
Represented by Jerome Chery & 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 Carlson, 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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WILD HORSE WINERY & VINEYARD (Templeton, CA)
Represented by Clay Brock & Chrissy WittmannFor nearly 30 years, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards, located in the Paso Robles appellation, has been a champion of California’s Central Coast wine-grape growing region. Crafting ultra-premium wines that reflect the unique qualities and diversity of the area, Wild Horse is a leading producer of Central Coast Pinot noir. The winery also produces exceptional Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Viognier and Zinfandel. |
‣CANADA
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BLUE MOUNTAIN VINEYARD & CELLARS (Okanagan Falls, BC)
Represented by Matt Mavety |
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TANTALUS VINEYARDS (Kelowna, British Columbia)
Represented by David Paterson & Stephanie MosleyTantalus Vineyards is situated on the eastern slopes of the Okanagan Valley overlooking the shores of Lake Okanagan and the city of Kelowna. Tantalus is dedicated to growing and vinifying limited quantities of exceptional Riesling, Pinot noir and Chardonnay. Originally known as Pioneer Vineyards, the site was first planted to grapes in 1927 and is one of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in British Columbia. Today, Riesling vines planted in 1978 and Pinot noir planted in 1983 make up the backbone of the vineyard. Tantalus' winemaking philosophy is centered on the concept of terroir, or sense of place. All wines are made from fruit organically grown at our 50-acre vineyard. A non interventionist approach to the winemaking process allows each wine to convey the fine quality and unique character of this historic site. We are committed to sustainable business practices and as a result we are pleased to announce the opening of our new and British Columbia's first LEED certified winery (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) in March 2010. |
‣WASHINGTON, USA
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SYNCLINE WINE CELLARS (Lyle, WA)
Represented by James & Poppie Mantone Poppie and James Mantone met during the harvest of 1997 while working together in the cellar at LaVelle Vineyards (Willamette Valley, Oregon). Shortly after, they had fallen madly in love, married and began plans for a new endeavor: a winery of their own. Four years later they relocated their home to the Columbia Gorge; where passion for Rhône wines led them to explore the emerging potential of vineyards in the Columbia Valley, Washington. Inspired by early efforts of Rhone and Burgundy varietals sampled from Washington wineries, Syncline’s first vintage consisted of 76 cases of Celilo Vineyards Pinot Noir from vines planted in 1972. The next year, production was increased to include Columbia Valley Syrah and Grenache. At the same time they began working with vineyards to plant Viognier, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan. They have kept production under 5,000 cases annually to ensure intimacy with each barrel and every vine. |