Winemaker: Tony Soter

Tony Soter, who gained recognition as founder of Etude Wines and consultant to such luminaries as Araujo, Shafer, Spottswoode, and Dalle Valle, was in 1997 a veteran of over 21 harvests in the Napa Valley. In Oregon he saw a chance to make great estate-grown Pinot Noirs on his own terms. The Soters’ first release was a 1997 Brut Rosé sparkling wine, and in 1998 they released their first Pinot Noir from the Beacon Hill Vineyard. In 2001, they purchased Mineral Springs, a 240-acre ranch near the town of Carlton, which is the base for all Soter winemaking and business operations. The site of Mineral Springs, located just east of the town of Carlton, is a source of great excitement and promise. Planted to 15 acres of Pinot Noir in 2003, this prominent ridge has commanding views of the valley, with mature stands of oak trees, cedars, and Douglas firs lining the road leading to the winery. The vineyard was planted to a selection of clones in 2002, and additional plantings continued in 2006 and 2007. Beginning with the 2005 vintage, this vineyard produced Soter’s new flagship single-vineyard Pinot Noir.

Grape Varieties Planted

• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir