Before the Winemakers have an opportunity to work magic with the fruits of Mother Nature, there are other ingredients that were unionized at the Vista Hills Vineyard.  In order to enable the delicate Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes to achieve their potential, it is necessary to have three essential elements.  First and most important is the expression of terroir manifested by the soil, the weather, the slopes and the elevation of the vineyard.  Second is knowledgeable and dedicated farm management and lastly is an experienced and sensitive winemaker. 

Vista Hills Vineyard has addressed this challenge by acquiring 65 acres of prime fertile land in the Dundee Hills Appellation in the Willamette Valley near Portland, Oregon.  It has been expressed by many knowledgeable wine purveyors that there are only three regions throughout the world that have the perfect climate, soil, moisture and summer sun for the unique and delicate Pinot Noir grape.  The first is Burgundy, France, the original site for the first Pinot Noir vineyards followed by New Zealand and the Willamette Valley. 

In the Willamette Valley, the top ranked appellation is Dundee Hills, which is blessed with volcanic soil and rolling hills ranging in elevation from 300’ to 1000’ above sea level.  Vista Hills’ elevations range from 500’ to 800’, ideally situated to maximize the intensity of the Pinot Noir grape. 

With the expert help and advice of vineyard managers, Buddy Beck and Angel Martinez of Advanced Vineyard Systems, John and Nancy McClintock, the founders of Vista Hills, have planted 42 acres of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes.  They have mixed the planted blocks with Burgundy Pinot Noir clones from France, the traditional Pommard clones and 10 acres of Pinot Gris.  The Vineyard rests atop a hill providing excellent sun exposure on varying slopes, which fall predominantly to the southwest.  The grape vines are planted in density varying from 2200 vines to 1200 vines per acre.  This diversity of sun exposure, elevation, plant density and grape variety provides a superb opportunity to blend these grapes for superior vineyard designated wine. 

The final key to the plan for Vista Hills’ success was the selection of the Winemakers.  With the careful selection of the land, the strategic planting decisions and the skillful management by the vineyard managers, the success of each vintage ultimately rests in the magical hands of the Winemakers and their ability to extract the full potential of the Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes.  After careful consideration of all the aspects of personality, compatibility and skill, three talented winemakers were selected for 2006. 

The first two winemakers selected are Laurent Montalieu of Solena Cellars and Michael Stevenson of Panther Creek Cellars.  Laurent will be making Pinot Noir from Blocks A and C and Pinot Gris from Block D.  Michael will be making Pinot Noir from Block B.  The long range plan is to add additional winemakers as the grapes planted in 2004 and 2005 reach maturity.

Each of these Winemakers will work with the Vista Hills grapes in their own unique styles to achieve dynamically different, but equally delightful wines that will be pleasing to the consumer.