OUr ESTATE
FINDING HOME
A WINE DESTINATION
OUR ESTATE
Perched atop a striking knoll and surrounded by vines on three sides, we designed our Tasting Room to give those willing to make the journey a true reward. Visitors are greeted with panoramic valley views and a front row seat to one of the region’s most unique geologic effects …the Van Duzer Corridor.
For decades, the specialness of the region was prized among writers and winemakers, who made the Oregon pilgrimage to taste for themselves the unique impact of wind and marine soils on Pinot Noir.
The Van duzer corridor ava
In 2019, the Van Duzer Corridor was officially designated a distinct sub-AVA of the Willamette Valley, permanently cementing its position as one of Willamette Valley’s premier grape growing regions.
Unlike the more developed wine regions to the north, you’ll find Van Duzer Vineyards much like it was a quarter century ago when Carl and Marilynn Thoma were first captivated by the windswept hills on the outskirts of the nascent Willamette Valley wine region.
A Wine Destination
Our Estate
As the oldest winery in the AVA, Van Duzer Vineyards has naturally evolved into the defining producer of cool-climate Pinot Noir in the Van Duzer Corridor, where a location unlike any other, produces uniquely Oregon wines, which truly are…crafted by the wind.
When you visit Van Duzer Vineyards, it is a bit like stepping back in time, when Willamette Valley was “yet to be fully discovered” and wineries and vineyards were few and far between.
This is a winery with few neighbors beyond a wildlife refuge, and we like it that way.
Curated Vineyards
OUR TEAM
Head Winemaker
Our winemaker, Eric, was raised in New Hampshire where he spent his summers working on local vegetable farms. This inspired a love for the land, leading him to Cornell University, where he received a degree in Viticulture and Enology. His passion for wine led him around the globe, doing winemaking stints in New York, Spain and Australia before spending several years in the Napa Valley honing his craft. After a decade as a globetrotting winemaker, his passion for the lively and bright wines we produce here in Oregon brought him home to the Willamette Valley. When Eric isn’t busy making wine, he’s out in the mountains fishing, biking or rock-climbing. On rainy days in the off season, you’ll find him in the kitchen whipping up a batch of homemade chili crisp — the spicier the better!
Vineyard Manager
An Idaho native, Bruce grew up on a dryland farm on the expansive Camas prairie. After moving to Oregon in the late 1990’s, he fell in love with viticulture. He’s dedicated his career to farming grapes sustainably — and currently serves as the Chair of LIVE Certifed — a renowned non-profit based here in Oregon that supports environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing. He’s also passionate about conservation and has led our efforts to aid in preservation of the native oak savannas on our property, as well as working with the US Fish & Wildlife department to preserve habitat for the endangered Blue Fender butterfly. When he’s not hard at work keeping our vineyards healthy, you’ll find Bruce hunting, spending time with his family or kicking back with a small-cask Bourbon.
Operations & Administration Manager
A 25-year veteran of Van Duzer, Kathy started at the winery the year we were founded. Consequently, she’s always got the best stories about the winery’s history, people and harvests. Kathy loves keeping things running smoothly and coming to work every day in such a beautiful place. When she’s not hard at work here at the winery, you’ll find her training, trialing and traveling in the sport of Schutzhund with her German Shepherd, Midas. When Pinot Noir is not in her glass, you’ll find her kicking back with friends and an Irish Whiskey.
Cellar Master
With over 20 years of cellar experience under his belt in Sonoma, New Zealand, Burgundy and the Sierra Foothills where he grew up, Adam brings a ton of experience to his role as cellar master. He loves being part of a cellar crew that, like him, is passionate about wine, meticulous and always seeking excellence. When he’s not in the cellar, you’ll find him sipping white Burgundy, cooking, writing music or goofing around with his family.
cellar lead
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Max caught the wine bug working the harvest with our friends at Harper Voit. When he’s not hard at work in the cellar, you’ll find him hiking, gardening or golfing. If it’s raining he’s home cracking open a bottle of Riesling or baking a loaf of (naturally leavened) bread.
Director of consumer sales
tasting room manager
An Oregonian through and through, Randy loves meeting new people at the tasting room and making them smile by introducing them to our wines. When he’s not slinging wine, you’ll find him chopping firewood and mending fences on his family farm. If he’s not sipping our Pinot Noir, you’ll find him kicking back with a nice Pilsner.
marketing manager
With over 20 years of experience in the wine industry in Monaco, Australia, Napa, Sonoma, and Oregon for the past decade, Vanessa (Ness) brings a diverse global background to her role as marketing manager. She loves being part of the Van Duzer team, and getting to share the unique wind-swept story of our estate wines. When she’s not working, you’ll find her hiking with her beloved dog Sadie, practicing yoga, gardening or traveling.
Tasting Room Associate
Originally from California, Julia moved to Dalles (Oregon!) in 2019, and started at Van Duzer in 2021. She loves being part of such a great community, and how much there is to learn. When she’s not enjoying wines from our Westside Blocks, she appreciates red ales and stouts. Outside of work, she enjoys roller skating, spending time with her nieces and nephews, houseplants, and hiking. Ask about her favorite local trails and campsites when you visit!
tasting room associate
Born and raised in Southern Oregon, Erin moved to McMinnville in 1988 and loves lives in the Willamette Valley. After a 25-year career in nursing, Erin retired in 2022, wanting to instead work in a beautiful environment and a slower place. She came to Van Duzer for a wine tasting and fell in love, inquired about a job, and the rest is history. Aside from the stunning views, Erin loves the team she works with, as “we have become a family”. She enjoys serving people delicious wine, having great conversations, and making people smile.
tasting room associate
Cole is as local as they come, born and raised right here in Dallas (Oregon). He studied at Western Oregon University, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Van Duzer is his first foray into the wine industry. Cole loves getting to connect with people in such a fun and casual and environment…and share really good wine! His favorite is the 2022 Dijon Blocks Pinot Noir. Outside of work, Cole spends his time acting, and loves to draw, make art, and write.
Tasting Room Associate
Born and raised in Monmouth, Gabriella has been in the wine industry since 2021, starting as a shipping and compliance specialist at a different winery. She holds her WSET Level 1, and loves that people come here for a getaway from all over, both locally or from other states or countries. Being at Van Duzer transports you to serene views and peace, and Gabriella loves being a part of that. Her favorite wine is our Estate Pinot Noir, as she feels it’s approachable for every person. Outside of work you’ll find Gabriella at the gym, hanging out with her toddler, or baking – as she used to be a pastry chef!
tasting room associate
Born and raised in the country town of Macleay, Oregon, wine has been Gabby’s part-time gig since college (2018), and she keeps coming back! She loves constantly learning and the people she gets to work with. Her favorite wine is emphatically Syrah, and outside of work she enjoys her book club with her wine girls and trips to Disneyland with her family.
tasting room associate
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Karen worked at Pressed Coffee and Wine Bar in Dallas before joining the team at Van Duzer. She is a big fan of the people she works with, great views, and amazing wine – her favorite being our Wädenswil and Pommard pinot noir clones. When she’s not pouring wine, she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and paddleboarding, spending time at the beach and with dogs, and traveling – especially to Italy.
Brand Ambassador - Texas
Tim fell in love with wine (and his future wife) on his first day of work at the Merlot Bar & Grill in New York City. From working as a sommelier to over a decade as a manager at RNDC, Tim brings extensive experience to his role as brand ambassador. When he’s not out in the market sharing our wines, you can find him cooking up a storm, checking out live music or learning how to play bass.
Cellar Master
Cellar Lead
Our VINEYARDS
The Estate
PLANTED 1982-1984
ESTABLISHED 1998
ACREAGE 83.7
BLOCKS 40
CLONES 14
Our flagship estate, Van Duzer Vineyards, benefits from cooling western wind that flows strongly through the Van Duzer Corridor to the interior Willamette Valley, moderating temperatures and lengthening the growing season.
PRess & More
