Maresh Vineyard
This stunningly beautiful vineyard in the Dundee Hills A.V.A. (American Viticultural Appellation) was first planted in 1970 by Jim and Loie Maresh on Worden Hill Road above Dundee. Situated on a mostly south-facing slope between 500 and 700 feet above sea level, these old vines planted in Jory soil produce Pinot noir with the most seductive texture.
The Maresh family has been living on the farm since 1959. There is tremendous biodiversity and balance here because from the beginning Jim had the foresight and common sense to avoid vineyard monoculture. There are hazelnuts, walnuts, fruit trees and plenty of acreage of wild areas throughout the farm. His daughter Martha keeps houses for violet green swallows and bluebirds on the trellis posts and they are flying all over the place in the spring and summer.
Maresh Vineyard is certainly one of the most sought-after fruit sources in the Willamette Valley and it has consistently produced Pinot with high reviews from the press for decades.
Jim Maresh, Owner of Maresh Vineyard and my dear friend.
Here I'm fine-tuning the clusters before harvest 2009: removing "wings" and "shoulders" along with a few clusters here and there.
Momtazi Vineyard is a Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyard in the McMinnville Foothills A.V. A. (American Viticultural Appellation).
Please use the link below to learn about this beautiful vineyard in the words of Moe Momtazi, the owner.
Flora and Moe Momtazi, Owners of Momtazi Vineyard and Maysara Winery. They are like family to me.
Moe's wild turkeys are just one example of how very alive and vibrant this vineyard is. Life is everywhere here. One of my favourites was when a brilliantly-plumed oriole followed me from trellis post to trellis post as I sampled one afternoon. The fruit has arrived at the winery before with butterflies and bees hovering along with it. Amazing, really.
(Photo taken by Violet Fox)