The secret to our excellent wine is tough to keep once you are standing among our vines. From here, you will see soils - deep red in color - perfectly located at the altitude and climate revered for producing the most balanced and intersting Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes in the country, if not the world. Naturally, the meticulous care taken to farming these grapes only benefits the wines. We would not have it any other way: Excellent soils paired with excellent farming.

Arming the delicate Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes with the ability to acheive their full potential requires three essential elements. First and foremost, is the expression of terroir manifested by the soil, weather, slopes, and elevation of the vineyard. Secondly, knowledgeable and dedicated farm management. Lastly, an experienced and sensitive winemaker who can apply his or her magical abilities to the fruits of Mother Nature.

Vista Hills Vineyard has addressed this challenge by acquiring 65 acres of prime, fertile land in the Dundee Hills Appellation in the Willamette Valley, just outside of Portland, Oregon. It is widely believed that there are only three regions throughout the world that exhibit the optimal climate, soil, moisture, and summer sun for the unique and delicate Pinot Noir grape. The first is Burgundy - native home of Pinot Noir - followed by New Zealand, and Oregon's Willamette Valley.

The Dundee Hills American Viticulture Area (AVA) is one of the most highly regarded appellations in the Willamette Valley. Blessed with volcanic Jory soils, the rolling slopes of the Dundee Hills range from 300' to 1,000' above sea level. Vista Hills' elevations range from 500' to 800', ideally situated to maximize the intensity and complexity of the picky Pinot Noir grape. Well-made Pinot Noirs from Dundee Hills show texture and character that measure up to the world's great Burgundies.

We have planted 42 acres of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes. We have mixed the planted blocks with Pinot Noir clones from Burgundy, traditional Pommard clones, and eight acres of Pinot Gris. The Vineyard rests atop a hill, providing ample sun exposure on varying slopes, which descend predominantly to the southwest. The grape vines are planted in densities varying from 1,200 to 2,200 vines per acre. Such diversity in sun exposure, elevation, plant density, and grape variety provides a superb opportunity to blend these grapes for superior vineyard designated wine.

Our vineyard is LIVE (Low Input Viticulture & Enology) Certified and Salmon Safe.