Carlton Cellars

Carlton Cellars and the Carlton Cellars Pinot noirs were established in 2001, and is a joint venture of the Grooters and Russell families.

Carlton Cellars' Dave Grooters has been a part of the Oregon food and wine industry since 1977, when his friend Nick Peirano opened Nick's Cafe in McMinnville. Dave worked for Ken Wright (Ken Wright Cellars) as a vineyard manager, and joined him in developing Carlton Cellars' new vineyard.

Carlton Cellars' Roads End Pinot noir is named for the scenic point on the cool Oregon Coast, just north of Lincoln City. The massive volcanic formation slopes down to a quiet sandy beach of paths, coves, and tide pools. Offshore, remnants of lava form small, striking islands where gulls and cormorants rest above the waves. The point protects a headland of sedimentary rock that stands out in starck relief against the color and texture of the volcanic front.

The Carlton Cellars blend expresses the convergence of these soils and the cool Oregon climate delivered by the Northern Pacific weather. To the winery, the Roads End nam also reflects the feeling one has at the end of a long day, with good friends and a wonderful glass of Pinot noir.

Vineyards and Terroir

Carlton Cellars's Estate Vineyard is outside Carlton' Oregon in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Planted in 2001, Russell-Grooters Vineyard, aka RGV is now the source for two of Carlton Cellars' wines. Carlton Cellars makes three wines. Three vineyards are combined in their Roads End Oregon Pinot Noir. Carlton Cellars Cape Lookout Oregon Pinot Noir is made exclusively from the estate vineyard. Carlton Cellars' vineyard of 22 acres shares its location with vineyards owned by Ken Wright Cellars and Tony Soter's Soter Vineyard.

Carlton Cellars' labels are based on oil paintings done by Robert Beckman, a friend of the winery