Stoller Vineyards

"This is farming we're talking about, not a controlled lab experiment." - Stoller

Chemicals and rolling hills just don't mix. (Run off can pollute other water sources.) Which is one reason why it was important for us to muscle our way into a tasting at Stoller.* (Solar power, too!)

Stoller Vineyards is annually recognized for sustainable viticultural practices in grape wine production. (Lots of the Willamette Wineries have a strong commitment to green.)

On this particular day, we were the only ones there. Just us, a knowledge person to pour and her cute little dog. (Reasons #51 & #52 why Willamette is fun. No crowds, plus how often do you see dogs running around Napa? Unless, of course, they're peeking out of a purse.)

Be prepared for something a little different at Stoller. It feels more like a gallery than a tasting room. Surroundings are sparse, light, airy, with ultra-clean lines.

We fell in love with their Estate Chardonnay. Back at home, my own dogsitter went ga-ga over their very delightful Pinot Noir Rosé. (We try to buy a lot of Rosé because it's high time this type of wine lost its undeserved stigma.) And, we confiscated a case of Pinot Noir, too. Bold berry flavors with a teensy bit of spice.

* Stoller Vineyards makes you work extra hard because, sometimes, they are only open by appointment.

Call them to book a tasting: 503.864.3404. (Or, just show up and bang on the door until they let you in.) 16161 N. E. McDougall Rd, Dayton, Oregon. Willamette Valley.