Privé Vineyard

In 1995 we found this wonderful little vineyard in need of revival. That was the beginning of what would later become our new life. Mark took the role of vineyard steward while the kids and I followed his instructions as we all learned to tend the vines, season by season.

Each year brought experience, knowledge, passion and excitement for the next. We enjoyed selling the grapes to a reputable, local winemaker while I took classes at the NW Viticulture Center in Salem. A new obsession was born, and I fell in love with the art of crafting Pinot Noir.

In 2001, Mark rebuilt our barn to resemble a boutique winery that you might stumble upon “off the beaten path” in Burgundy. It was perfect ~ a place that we could offer private tastings and events as well as a facility where we could process our grapes from crush to bottling. Our first vintage was exciting and notable, later taking gold medals and going on to receive the trophy for best overall wine in Oregon at the Northwest’s largest and most prestigious competition, the NW Wine Summit. Those blessings helped to launch our winery as did some of the local wine shops, restaurants and most importantly, our loyal wine family.

Our tiny 2 1/2 acre, old vine estate produces just 250-300 cases of our crown jewel pinot noir each year. We later chose to increase production to approximately 1,000 cases per year to enjoy making our living doing what we love most. We source Pinot Noir from very special vineyards nearby and have contracts in Walla Walla for Syrah from Les Collines Vineyard.  We take great pride in crafting old world style Pinot Noir, Syrah, and a Solera Pinot Port.

Our promise is to provide you with elegant wines of great character, depth, finesse and a sense of place.

Privé Vineyard was planted in 1980, making it one of the oldest remaining vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. When we purchased in 1995, the vines were already 15 years old. In 1998, we grafted to 100% Pommard clone – Pinot Noir. Our first full crop was in 2000 and to our surprise and delight, it was spectacular! We feel fortunate to have the ideal clone of Pinot Noir, planted in Jory soil (red clay), southwest facing and at the perfect elevation of approximately 500 feet. It just happens that Pommard couldn’t have matched the terrior any better – it is known for its structure, pretty fruit, spicy layers, and velvety soft tannins.

Our son, Hugh and I meticulously tend to the vines from pruning in February, to hand thinning and management of the canopy throughout the summer months, to harvest time in the fall. Wine truly is made in the vineyard. Mother nature presents many opportunities to adjust our practices along the way, so that we can encourage the full potential and magic that each vintage has to offer. It is an awesome responsibility that we do not take lightly. You have our commitment to thoughtfully and lovingly care for every vine at every stage of its development.

Minimal intervention is the key to crafting wines that reflect their place. Pinot Noir is especially transparent in that respect – it reveals each step of its journey from the vineyard to the glass. We believe wines made from grapes that are picked at a balanced level of sugar and acidity, that are gently fermented and extracted, will create wines that are more complex and will enjoy a longer life in your cellar. You will find that our wines have reasonable alcohol levels of between 13% and 14%, depending on the varietal.

 We love the touch Mother Nature adds to each vintage, but are also committed to our “old world style” that is consistent year after year. To us, it is an honor and privilege that you have chosen our wines to grace your table.