Cristom Vineyards, Family winery in Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, United States
Cristom Vineyards sits on volcanic hillsides with different microclimates, growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in mineral-rich soils at various elevations across the property. The terrain's natural variations between vineyard sections create distinct flavors in the wines produced here.
The Gerrie family founded this winery in 1992, continuing viticulture work that the Mirrasou family had started on the same land in 1982. The site has been used for grape growing for several decades, with ownership and focus changing over time.
The winery name comes from the founder's children Christine and Tom, and their names appear in an artistic logo designed by Timothy Tyler. This personal story is visible throughout the property in the way the space is decorated and presented.
The tasting room welcomes visitors Thursday through Monday from 11 am to 5 pm, where you can sample wines and learn about how they are made. It's good to check ahead, as hours may shift with the seasons or special events.
The winery uses traditional techniques like whole-cluster fermentation and native yeasts, which give the wines a specific flavor character that mass production cannot achieve. These methods require more care and time but are part of a broader approach to making wine that reflects the place it comes from.
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