The Vineyards

Elton Vineyard

In 2007, Elton Vineyard was named one of Oregon’s top ten vineyards by Wine Press Northwest, and in 2006 Wine & Spirits listed it as one of the five key vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills American Viticultural Area. Owned by Dick and Betty O'Brien, the vineyard was planted on land inherited from Betty’s parents, Elton and Peggy Ingram — hence the name Elton Vineyard and the address on Ingram Lane. Upon the O'Briens' retirement in 2007, the vineyard was contracted under a long-term lease to Willamette Valley Vineyards. 

The first five acres of wine grapes were planted in 1983 by the O’Briens. The vineyard now includes more than 60 acres planted on east-southeast slopes of the Eola Hills, just west of Hopewell, in Yamhill County. The elevation rises from 250-500 feet, and the vineyard soil is primarily Jory and Nekia. 

The majority of the vineyard contains Pinot Noir, including Pommard, Wädenswil, 115, 777 and 114 clones. The vineyard also includes Dijon Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and a small amount of Grüner Veltliner grapes. Wines made from the grapes at Elton Vineyard, by several winemakers, have been rated 90+ points by The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, among others. 

Ingram Estate Vineyard

The Ingram Estate Vineyard was planted in 2013 on the east-facing slope of the Eola Hills. The Ingram Estate Vineyard surrounds the original Elton Vineyard to the north and west from land leased and purchased from the Ingram and O'Brien families. The elevation ranges from 575-635 feet and soil is Jory.