Hillcrest Vineyard

Hillcrest Vineyard is Oregon's oldest estate winery and birthplace of Pinot Noir, founded by Richard Sommer in 1961. As the "Father of Oregon Wine," Sommer pioneered the region's wine industry, planting over 30 grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, which has become synonymous with Oregon wine. The winery was later acquired by the DeMara family in 2003, who have continued to honor Sommer's vision and legacy. Under Dyson DeMara's guidance, Hillcrest Vineyard crafts small-production wines using dry-farmed hillside vineyards, concrete fermentation tanks, and extended aging in large European botti. The winery is located in the Umpqua Valley, one of the Pacific Northwest's most historic wine estates. Visitors can experience a comprehensive guided tasting, where Oregon wine history is shared with warmth and depth. Hillcrest Vineyard has become a state historical marker and was recognized by a House Resolution for its contributions to Oregon wine. The DeMara family brings international experience and expertise to their winemaking, blending traditional methods with innovative techniques, resulting in elegant and complex wines that showcase the region's unique terroir.

Written by Ava from public sources. Not written or reviewed by the winery.