Cristom is about 10 miles north of Salem, Oregon and 10 miles south of Dundee. We are about 36 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and about 65 miles west of the crest of the Cascade Range. We are about 1/2 mile from the 45th parallel.
The Eola-Amity Hills AVA is infuenced, and primarily defned by, cool afternoon breezes that blow off the Pacific Ocean. This wind blows directly east and finds its way through the Van Duzer Corridor that is the lowest point in the Pacific Coast Range. It has the effect of quickly lowering vineyard temperatures after warm summer days, helping to preserve acidity and structure in our wines.
Our soils are comprised of a wide range of mineral rich volcanic materials that are very well drained. This diversity of soil is a true hallmark of our property and lends itself to diverse single-vineyard bottlings as well as harmonious cuvees pulling from each of the five estate vineyard sites.
Our vineyards have been certified sustainable through LIVE (Low Input Viticulture & Enology) since 2007. In November 2017, we made the decision to redefine our farming practices at Cristom Vineyards to include a multitude of winegrowing and agricultural paradigms including: organic and biodynamic farming principles, agro-ecology, permaculture and integrative pest management methods.
Björnson Estate VINEYARD
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Vineyard Bio
The Björnson Estate Vineyard mission is simple: care for the land, make exceptional wine and enjoy life’s journey. The vineyard is certified Salmon-Safe and sustainable by L.I.V.E. (Low Input Viticulture and Enology).
Eola Springs VINEYARD
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Vineyard Bio
Originally planted in 1972 by Carl Stevens, in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the vineyard’s position in the throat of the Van Duzer corridor provides ample ventilation to temper the vines throughout the growing season and intensifies the diurnal effect of the site with its cool nights and warm to hot days. The vineyard’s beautiful soils result from a geologic history of plate tectonics, volcanism, and glaciation. More recently, alluvial deposits and erosion have made their mark.
While the AVA was established only a decade ago, this pioneering vineyard has proven itself time and time again to be a jewel that dynamically improves. Beyond the original 1972 planting, additional vines were added in 1980, 1984, 1990, 2006, and continuing today, reflecting the evolution of Willamette Valley.
Holmes Hill VINEYARD
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Vineyard Bio
Established in 1999 and stewarded by Dr. Mark Wahle, a second-generation Wahle Vineyards and Cellars owner, Holmes Hill Vineyard is a high-elevation site and an important contributor to Cristom’s Mt. Jefferson Cuvée.
The Wahle family is a pioneer in grape farming, first planting 100 acres of vines in 1974 in what is now known as the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Dr. Wahle holds an enology degree from UC Davis and a medical degree, balancing his career as an emergency room physician with his dedication to viticulture.
Due to its elevation, Holmes Hill is often one of the last picks of the harvest and produces bright red-fruited Pinot Noir with vibrant acidity that is age-worthy and elegant.
Royer Vineyard
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Vineyard Bio
Royer Vineyard sits on the southwest-facing tip of the Eola Hills. The vineyard currently has 15 acres planted and focuses on Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. The elevation on the site ranges from 600-700′, and the soils are a mix of Ritner, Witzel, Nekia, and Jory of volcanic origin. See press on Royer Vineyard.
Von Oehsen VINEYARD
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Vineyard Bio
Planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir over a wide range of volcanic soils including Jory, Nekia and Witzel, Von Oehsen Vineyard faces east rising to 500 feet in the Eola Hills.
Arcus VINEYARD
Dundee Hills AVA
Vineyard Bio
Originally planted in 1973, Archery Summit’s Arcus Vineyard is a steep, bowl shaped planting that produces extremely low yields resulting in intensely complex and floral wines.
Durant VINEYARD
Dundee Hills AVA
Vineyard Bio
The Durant family were pioneers in Willamette Valley viticulture, first establishing Durant Vineyard in 1973 with the first Pinot Noir vines being planted on a south facing slope over deep volcanic soil in the heart of the Dundee Hills.
Meredith Mitchell Vineyard
McMinnville AVA
Vineyard Bio
Established in 1988, Meredith Mitchell Vineyard showcases a combination of own-rooted Pommard clone Pinot Noir planted over shallow, rocky basalt soils. Now farmed biodynamically the vineyard displays flavors of bright fruit on the palate, with high acidity, precision and focus in the glass.
Stermer VINEYARD
Yamhill-Carlton AVA
Vineyard Bio
Established in the early 1950s by George and Barbara Stermer for fruit farming, Stermer Vineyard is now part of Lemelson Vineyards and a distinguished site in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. A rich diversity of Pinot Noir clones were planted between 1997 and 1998 on ancient WillaKenzie soils at elevations up to 440 feet and benefit from a mix of northeast and southwest exposures. The vineyard produces perfumed Pinot Noir with notable spice and elegance.
Trisaetum VINEYARD
Ribbon Ridge AVA
Vineyard Bio
Once under the Pacific Ocean, the soils of Trisaetum’s Ribbon Ridge Estate are predominantly ancient marine sediments including Bellpine, Wellsdale and Dupee. Owned by the Frey family and established in 2005, the rolling slopes of Trisaetum are planted to the western flank of Ribbon Ridge
