After spending 16 years as Winemaker and Estate Manager for Stags' Leap Winery, Robert Brittan took a flying leap North, to fulfill his dream of making Pinot Noir and Syrah in Oregon. Robert began his winemaking career by producing wine in his dorm room at Oregon State University, where he was a physics and philosophy major. He recalls, “I realized that alcohol was an attractant, so I began my career in fermentation sciences in order to get a date”. Robert ultimately completed his education at UC Davis and moved to Napa Valley, where he also made wines for Far Niente and Saint Andrews. He has an extreme depth of experience and knowledge with more than 30 years of experience in growing grapes and producing wine.

Ellen Brittan (formerly Ellen Hunt) has spent the last 11 years in the wine industry, most recently as General Manager of Rudd Vineyards & Winery in Napa Valley's Oakville. Prior to venturing into the wine business, she spent 20 years in Financial Services before following her passion for food and wine. A native of Seattle and graduate from the University of Washington, Ellen has longed to return to her Northwest roots and is thrilled to now be at home, in the McMinnville Foothills. While Robert oversees the vineyard operation and winemaking, Ellen is in charge of sales and marketing, as well as all other aspects of their new business venture.
 
Brittan Vineyards is a stunning 128-acre site on the edge of the Coastal Range in the McMinnville Foothills AVA. There are currently 20 acres planted to Pinot Noir and one acre planted to Syrah. They focus on producing two Pinot Noirs: Basalt Block and Gestalt Block. Both wines are equally worthy of your attention...