Winter's Hill Vineyard
Winter's Hill Vineyard“Winter’s
Hill is proving to be one of the undiscovered gems of Yamhill County.
After three straight vintages of superb wine, we’ve come to
expect nothing
Winters Hill Vineyard has been in the Winters and Gladhart families since 1961, when Emily Gladhart's parents, John and Lena Winter, purchased a grain and fruit farm on a corner of Oregon's Dundee Hills. Peter and Emily and their son Russell planted the first 19 acres of grapes in 1990, 12 acres of Pinot noir and 7 acres of Pinot gris. Nine acres were planted between 1997 and 2000 on phylloxera resistant rootstocks, 44-53,5C, 3309 and riparia, which are less vigorous and so are trained to a double cane trellising system.
Russell's wife, Delphine, is now winemaker at Winters Hill. Delphine is a native of Lyon, France. Shea earned two degrees in France, one in Biology and Biotechnology Analysis, and the second in Enology and Viticulture from the institute Supérieur Agricole in Beaune, Burgundy. She worked as a cellar hand and winemaker's assistant for four seasons in different wineries in France, one season in New Zealand, and three seasons in Oregon before joining Winters Hill as its winemaker. In Delphine's first year as winemaker at Winters Hill, her Dry Rosé 04 won a Gold medal and Best of Class at the Northwest Wine Summit, Double Gold at the Eastern International Wine Competitions and Double Gold in the 2005 Platinum Review of Wine Press Northwest. Winter's Hill's Estate Vineyard The vineyard is all on Jory soil, the most sought after soil type for the growing of premium grapes. Jory is a silty clay loam desirable for balancing good water retention properties and excellent drainage. Pommard Dijon 114 and 115, and Wadensvil are the clones which are planted. The combination of clones serves to enrich the flavor profile of the wine. The vineyard's elevation of 525 to 730 feet opn south facing slopes provides optimum warmth during summer days while exposing it to cool ocean breezes every afternoon that drop evening temperatures into the '50's. These condition bring the slow, gentle ripening so essential to the delicate character of fine Pinot Noir and Pinot gris. Own rooted plantings are all trained to a divided canopy, Scott Henry trellis system. Grafted plantings are currently trained to a single canopy, double Guyot trellis. Their vineyard management practices and Winter's Hills wines are certified as Salmon Safe and LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) as they adhere to practices that promote sustainable viticulture while minimizing the use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers and protecting the farmer, the environment and society at large. From the Beginning... Peter and Emily are directly involved in all aspects of vineyard development and management, fruit selection, wine making and marketing. Russell and daughter Amalia and son-in-law Sean Hayes contribute regularly as members of the farm planning committee and as harvest helpers. Russell's wife Delphine is winemaker. Even granddaughter Kate helps test the fruit for ripeness. The vines are carefully pruned, trained, thinned and handpicked by a loyal crew of six that has been with the farm for over 7 years. The vineyard is certified by the LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology Program), that seeks to promote sustainable agricultur while minimizing the use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers and protecting the farmer, the environment, and society at large. Winters Hill grapes are sought after by wineries and their wines have always been well received, Several have been vineyard designated by the wineries and have won medals in international competitions. Now Winters Hill is making wine under their own label. Winters Hill Pinot noir has deep ruby colors, layered fruit flavors, and strong tannins for balance and aging. Their Pinot gris has intense floral aromas, luscious fruit flavors, and good acidity that makes for a balanced, very drinkable wine, with spicy food or as an apertif. In 2006, Winter's Hill built a new winery next to a hazelnut grove in the Dundee Hills.
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