Christopher Bridge produces small quantities (100-200 cases) of premium quality Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the European style. Since 2001, the family-owned Satori Springs Vineyard, located 20 miles south of Portland on the east side of the Willamette Valley, has produced three vintages of organically and bio-dynamically tended fruit which winemaker Chris Camarda of Andrew Will Winery on Vashon Island, Washinton State, vinifies for the Christopher Bridge label. Chris is not only one of Washinton State's most respected winemakers but a member of our family as well.

The Satori Springs vineyard, first planted on the Carlberg family estate in 1998, currently extends over 9 acres of southwest sloping Jory soils. The current stewards of this unique site strive to bring forth and highlight its authentic characteristics and beauty, affirming nature's intrinsic forces through thoughtful farming practices aimed at minimal disturbance of the soil.

The grapes of Christopher Bridge wines are all grown at Satori Springs Vineyard in the Carlberg estate. This northeast Willamette Valley site on sloping Jory soils shows the promise of unique, high quality fruit resulting in a delicate, terroir oriented style of wine. The original blocks of Pinot gris and Pinot noir were planted in 1998 from scions rooted on the carlberg farm and transplanted into the former cow pastures lying below the original farmhouse. The Pinot noir is predominantly 115 Dijon clone with a smaller mix of Wadenswil and Pommard clones to build complexity in the wines. The farm upon which the vineyard is located has been in the Carlberg family for over 50 years. Every aspect of vineyard management has been carried out by Chris Carlberg and his wife Susanne who both developed a love of wine and the enthusiasm to establich a vineyard and winery from Chris' sister Anne and her husband, Chris Camarda - proprietors and winemaker of Andrew Will Winery.

The Carlbergs see themselves as stewards of the land and strive to bring forth and highlight the authentic characteristics of their site. They see farming as a holistic venture where science blends with the spirit of the earth. Chris has an especially close bond with this land and has tended it to enhance its uniqueness as a sustainable farming venture as well as a place of refuge for wildlife and family recreation. A flock of free-range chickens roaming in the vineyard and a contented herd of beef cattle foraging on the adjacent pastures and in forest land attest to the diversity which balances the special character of this farm. Consistent efforts towards developing soil and plant vitality through biodynamic farming practices is a central focus in the current farm evolution.

The '02 and '03 vintages of Pinot gris and Pinot noir represent the second and third harvests from the Satori Springs Vineyard, hand-carfted by the Carlberg's brother-in-law, Chris Camarda of Andrew Will Winery. Careful attention was given to developing a Burgundian Styled Pinot noir with subtle complexity and elegance authentic to the unique east Willamette Valley terroir of their farm. Fermentation was achieved with indigenous yeasts and the wine was barrel-aged for ten months without being racked, filtered or fined prior to bottling,

The '03 Pinot gris is full of crispness and intensity. Perfectly balanced with aromas of pear and apple and fermented to complete dryness, this white wine is an excellent food wine, demonstrating strong body, flavor and finish needed to compliment any dish of savory seafood, poultry or summer salad.

Satori Springs vineyard continues to expand a little each year. Currently the vineyard covers nine acres (including new plantints) with plans to develop it to about 14 acres and a modest on-wite winery.

Currently in its third year of production, Christopher Bridge Cellars offers 2002 Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, both showing exceptional character, balance and elegance. 100% handcrafted in very small quantities.