The Carlton Winemakers Studio
McCollum Family Vineyard
Blending a love of wine with a drive to create something lasting, grounded in craft, community, and connection.
Launched in 2020 by Elise and CJ McCollum, this project began as a personal exploration of Oregon’s wine culture during CJ’s time with the Portland Trail Blazers. Elise, who first introduced CJ to wine, inspired a deep appreciation that ultimately led the couple to plant roots in the Willamette Valley’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA.
Their 318-acre estate—56 acres of which are now under vine—is the foundation for their goal of producing expressive, estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Every bottle reflects their values: authenticity, community, and quality. Wine, for the McCollums, is about more than flavor: it’s about creating a welcoming space and a lasting legacy for their children, grounded in the land and the joy of shared experience.
To bring this vision to life, McCollum Family Vineyard partners with Adelsheim Vineyard, one of Oregon’s most respected producers, and benefits from the leadership of Director of Winemaking Gina Hennen. Together, they craft wines with structure, elegance, and intention—each vintage a testament to both precision and provenance.
As stewards of their land, CJ and Elise are committed to sustainable farming, with their estate certified LIVE and Salmon-Safe. With full ownership of their vineyard and vision, they are building something enduring by anchoring their family’s future while contributing meaningfully to Oregon’s wine story.
Winemaker: Gina Hennen
First Year At The Studio: 2025


