We are one of the smallest tenants at the Studio, making only 375 cases of Pinot noir and 90 cases of Viognier. You can find our wines in the Studio tasting room and by contacting us directly.
We came to Oregon's Willamette Valley to plant a vineyard and create a life for ourselves. A clear path to Oregon had been shown to us by a year spent in Burgundy, where we saw small domains run by families. Days are spent in the vineyard during most of the year, after all, that's where the wines are truly made. The cellar is often under the house. Marketing happens when the winemaker steps out of the muddy vineyard to greet clients. Vine to bottle, the family does it all. We believe it is this complete experience that creates the most full and purposeful life and from that, the most honest, satisfying Pinot noir.
So we planted a vineyard in 1999 in the Ribbon Ridge appellation (in Yamhill County). It is small, only 4 acres, just about what one family can do by themselves. And we spend the year pruning, tending and finally harvesting and vinifying. Celebrating is, of course, an integral part of our lives too.
Using high density vine spacing, sustainable vineyard practices, limited yields, and traditional winemaking techniques, our aim is to produce a wine of great honesty that truly reflects and celebrates the character of our unique site. We believe in sustainable farming practices that honor the land and safeguard it for future generations. We are members of the Live Viticulture program and are certified Salmon Safe.
We are proud to be part of the family of winemakers at The Carlton Winemakers Studio, a perfect winemaking home for us.