It was nature at its most fierce. Ocean floor upheaval forced by the pressure of plate tectonics. Volcanic eruptions with flowing basalt. Hundreds of thousands of years of glacial retreat creating blistering winds that deposited airborne soils along the northeastern part of what is today the Chehalem Mountains – the upper end of the Willamette Valley.
“We’re glad we didn’t live here back then. But happy with the results of nature’s turmoil.”
The geologic furor has given us a unique gift: deep Laurelwood soils on top of volcanic Jory soil. Together they allow for our vines to express some of the very best Oregon has to offer. Flavors that are rich, spicy and bold in expressions of dark cherry fruit for our Pinots and bracing acidity and floral notes for our Chardonnays. In June 2020, in recognition of these unique soil types, the TTB created a new AVA called Laurelwood District.
Our 15-acre patch of heaven is located only 35 minutes from downtown Portland, next door to Ruby Vineyard. We hope you’ll come see us when it’s time!
-Ron Benza & Trish Damkroger
