A Deep Dive into Stoller Family Estate: Celebrating 20 Years of Oregon Wine Excellence

My first encounter with Stoller Winery remains a vivid memory. Several years ago, during a delightful outing with a group of close girlfriends, I was instantly captivated. The initial attraction was the magnificent old oak tree, standing tall and proud as a sentinel over the sprawling vineyards. It was a scene of serene beauty that immediately set the tone for the enchanting experience that was to follow.

Following this visual enchantment, I experienced another kind of love – a deep appreciation for their exquisite 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir. This wine became an instant favorite, its complex flavors and smooth finish leaving a lasting impression.

From that moment on, my appreciation extended to all their Pinot Noir wines, each offering a unique expression of the Dundee Hills terroir. Soon after, I discovered their equally impressive Chardonnay, further solidifying my admiration for Stoller’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

More recently, my affection has grown to encompass the dedicated individuals behind the land, the wine, and the overall experience that Stoller Family Estate Vineyard and Winery so generously offers. As Stoller commemorates its 20th anniversary, I am deeply honored to share the captivating story of the Stoller family with you, inviting you to discover the rich heritage and passion that define this exceptional winery.

During a recent 20th-anniversary celebration lunch exclusively for media representatives, I was privileged to gain an intimate glimpse into the Stoller Winery property and its remarkable legacy. The Stoller family’s connection to this land dates back to 1943, when they first purchased the property nestled in Oregon’s renowned Dundee Hills. For half a century, Bill Stoller’s father and uncle diligently raised turkeys on the property, gradually transforming the modest family farm into one of the largest and most successful in the entire state of Oregon.

Listening to Bill Stoller recount stories from his childhood, one can almost vividly imagine him as a young boy, diligently windrowing rye grass for seed across the vast, open fields. As he gestures and describes the land, you can’t help but picture the expansive fields as they existed before the planting of the vines. Like countless Oregonians, Stoller possesses an undeniable and profound love for the land on which he grew up and which he now expertly oversees as the esteemed Owner of Stoller Family Estate Vineyard and Winery.

The family farm eventually ceased its operations in 1993, marking a significant turning point in the Stoller family history. It was at this time that Bill made the pivotal decision to purchase the sprawling 373-acre property, embarking on an ambitious journey to transform it into a thriving vineyard. The first grapevines were planted in 1995, with ten acres each dedicated to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, marking the genesis of what would become a world-renowned winery. This milestone is, of course, the reason for the joyful 20th-anniversary celebration this year.

In 2001, the first Chardonnay was bottled, a momentous occasion that signified the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. I was granted the unparalleled honor of sampling the very first Stoller vintage recently, a truly unforgettable experience that provided a unique glimpse into the origins of their winemaking prowess.

The crisp and refreshing Stoller inaugural Chardonnay vintage harmonized beautifully with the smoked trout appetizers that were served at the exclusive 20th-anniversary celebration lunch and tour. The pairing was a testament to the versatility of Stoller’s wines and their ability to complement a wide array of culinary delights.

Winemaker Melissa Burr has been an integral part of the Stoller team for the past 12 years, bringing her expertise and passion to every aspect of the winemaking process. Working in close collaboration with Vineyard Manager Rob Schultz, the dynamic duo continues to infuse creativity and refinement into Stoller’s already exceptional wines. One thing became abundantly clear during the 20th-anniversary celebration media lunch event: Stoller Family Estate is fueled by individuals who are not only deeply passionate about growing and making incredible wine but who also possess a profound respect and unwavering compassion for both the land and all of their fellow Stoller family members who work tirelessly to bring the land to life.

After immersing ourselves in the captivating story of the Stoller Family Estate legacy and exploring the property’s oldest vines, we were treated to a sampling of the esteemed Stoller Legacy wines, each thoughtfully named after influential women in the Stoller family. These wines represent the pinnacle of Stoller’s winemaking artistry and pay homage to the women who have shaped the family’s history.

20th Anniversary Lunch: A Culinary Celebration

Following the vineyard tour, we made our way to the original tasting room, which has now been transformed into an elegant event space. Here, we enjoyed even more of Stoller’s exceptional wines, paired with a delightful vineyard lunch masterfully prepared by Owner/Chef Nick Ferguson of McMinnville, Oregon’s renowned Nick’s Italian Cafe. The meal was a true celebration of local ingredients and culinary artistry, perfectly complementing the quality of the wines.

Bill Stoller also generously shared some rare and highly sought-after wines from his own personal cellar, offering a glimpse into the history of Oregon winemaking. My personal favorite was a remarkable 1985 RexHill Pinot Noir, a true testament to the age-worthiness of Oregon wines.

Stoller Family Estate proudly holds the distinction of being the first LEED® Gold certified winery in the world, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Operations continue to expand to meet the growing demand for their exceptional wines. Following our delicious lunch, we were given the opportunity to tour the brand new, massive winery building, which houses a state-of-the-art barrel room, temperature-controlled tanks, and a cutting-edge laboratory space.

The new building opened just in time, as evidenced by the grapes photographed just two weeks prior to the celebration. The harvest season is commencing much earlier this year than in previous years, driven by favorable weather conditions. Predictions indicate that 2015, barring any unforeseen weather disasters, is poised to be an exceptional year for Oregon wines, promising a vintage of unparalleled quality and character.

Stoller Wines: A Taste of Oregon Terroir

As I mentioned earlier, I have wholeheartedly fallen in love with Stoller wines, and unlike my experience with other wineries, my adoration has grown exponentially with each passing vintage. The 2014 Dundee Hills Chardonnay ($25) currently holds the coveted title of my favorite Oregon Chardonnay. Crafted entirely in stainless steel tanks, this Chardonnay embodies a pure, clean, and fruit-forward freshness that is truly captivating. If you are not a fan of heavily oaked Chardonnays (as I personally am not), I am confident that you will thoroughly enjoy this exceptional expression of Oregon Chardonnay.

When it comes to their Pinot Noir wines, it may sound like a non-committal statement, but it is genuinely difficult to make a wrong choice. Whether you opt for a Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, a Reserve Pinot Noir, or one of the prestigious Legacy Pinot Noir wines, you are guaranteed a remarkable tasting experience. That being said, the 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir ($45) remains my personal favorite, and its 92-point rating from The Wine Advocate further validates my preference. This sensuous red wine is aged in French Oak barrels for 10 months prior to bottling, resulting in a symphony of dark fruit notes and a remarkably smooth finish.

If you ever find yourself in the picturesque Dundee Hills of Oregon, I wholeheartedly recommend placing Stoller Family Estate at the very top of your wine tasting itinerary. The tasting room staff are among the friendliest, most helpful, and most knowledgeable I have ever encountered, and they will go above and beyond to ensure that you and your friends have an unforgettable experience. This personalized and welcoming approach is perhaps the aspect of Oregon wineries that I cherish the most and believe sets our great state apart from all other wine-growing regions. Here, when you visit a winery, you are more likely than not visiting a part of someone’s cherished home property, and they are genuinely delighted to ensure that you feel right at home, too.

Stoller Family Winery: Plan Your Visit

16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton, OR 97114
(503) 864-3404
TASTING ROOM HOURS:
Daily, 11am – 5pm
My Stoller tasting room visit hours: once every month, 12 – 2pm. I am only partially kidding. I’m actually headed back out there in a few days . . . see you there? 😉

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