Stoller Vineyards
by
Kathy and Terry Sullivan
Summary: Stoller Vineyards winery tasting room offers views of steep slopes that were once home to turkeys and now have thriving vineyards. All Stoller wines are estate grown. The winery focuses on Pinot Noir but white wines are also available.
Stoller Vineyards Background
Originally, the land was a large turkey farm that was owned by Bill Stoller's uncle. The land is steep and unsuitable for most types of farming but turkeys did well in this location. In the 1980’s the turkey industry went bust and Bill Stoller who enjoyed wine successfully planted vines on the hillsides. In 2005 the wine production facility opened followed by the opening of the tasting room in 2006.
Stoller Vineyards focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability. According to Noah Bieszczad, assistant winemaker, Stoller Vineyards “started as a commitment to sustainability.” In addition, the facility was the first Gold LEED Certified winery in the United States. The winery building uses a gravity floor design. Two hundred and twenty solar panels provide 30% of the winery’s electrical needs. Today the winery produces 10,000 cases of wine.
Vineyards
Stoller Vineyards, owned by Bill Stoller and his family, began with the first grapevines planted in 1995. The winery’s first vintage was 2001. Currently the vineyards occupy about 176 of 373 acres in the Dundee Hills AVA. While 80 percent of the grapevines are Pinot Noir, the vineyards also have Chardonnay, some Riesling, Tempranillo, Syrah, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. In addition to using the grapes in their own wine production, Stoller Vineyards sells grapes to other wineries. Stoller Vineyards follow sustainable practices and have LIVE certification and Salmon Safe certification. At the time of our early March visit, the vineyards were still dormant.
Winery Production Area
Large stainless steel tanks line the production room. A large space in the center of the room is occasionally used for special events.
The barrel rooms are shaped like caves where oak barrels are stacked three high. One unusual aging container is an egg-shaped cement container. This offers additional nuances to wine while allowing the wine to breath as oak barrels do without the influence of oak on the aroma and taste.
The Tasting Room
Light floods the tasting room area where a small tasting counter provides an intimate experience for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can sample some of the wines from the Stoller portfolio. Wines are served in fine stemware, Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir glasses. The LEED plaque is displayed on the shelving unit behind the tasting counter. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds. From April through October, a disc golf course is set up for visitors.
Wines
Stoller Vineyards’ wines are predominantly produced with native yeasts. While tasting the wines, note the turkey on the label, the logo for Stoller Vineyards. Wine names with JV refer to junior vines.
Chardonnay 2008 from estate grown grapes was produced with barrel fermentation. The color was straw to slightly yellow. The aroma and taste were of apple and pear. The mouth feel was smooth and the fruity finish had a long aftertaste. JV Stoller Pinot Noir 2008 was ruby colored. The aroma offered berry notes with a hint of earthiness. There was a burst of berry fruit on the taste. The finish was crisp and fruity. SV Pinot Noir 2007 had a ruby color. The wine offered nuances from berry yielding to pepper.
Enjoy a visit to Stoller Vineyards. While tasting wines ask about the turkey farm. Have a camera handy to take photos. Stoller Vineyards has three vacation homes with vineyard views for rent. Consider spending a few days in the wine country. Stoller Vineyards would make the perfect base for exploring the region's wineries and vineyards.
Stoller Vineyards
16161 NE McDougall Road
Dayton, Oregon 97114
GPS: N45º 14.469' W123º 04.168'
Support the following Oregon Wineries.
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| Civic Winery | King Estate | Sweet Cheeks Winery & Vineyard | |
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