The story
- Basement
At the top of the appellation—literally and geographically—this 41.39-acre Mount Richmond estate spans roughly a quarter-mile square near the summit and is the northernmost and highest-elevation vineyard site in the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area. . It is true high-elevation mountain vineyard ground, rising from roughly 800 feet to the AVA’s 1,000-foot upper limit across south- and southeast-facing slopes with unparalleled solar exposure—a rare convergence of sun, slope, elevation and scale. Bellpine-dominant marine-sedimentary soils and ancient uplifted Coast Range geology create serious terroir for premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and traditional-method sparkling wine. Roughly 35–36 acres offer vineyard potential. A Vitis Terra-designed vineyard at 8-by-5-foot spacing includes about 3,700 established vines on mature 2020/2021 root systems: approximately 1,300 Pinot Noir (667/943), 880 Pinot Gris (52), 680 Chardonnay (76/96), 660 Chenin Blanc (982) and 190 Gamay (358). Certified French ENTAV material from Guillaume Grapevine Nursery is planted on 3309C rootstock; Guillaume also supplied planting material to Opus One. Managed without synthetic chemical inputs for approximately eight years using organic and biodynamic practices; Deep Roots Coalition qualified and positioned for Demeter certification. At full vineyard development, potential exceeds 5,000 estate cases annually, with substantial opportunity for premium fruit, estate wine and future hospitality. Nearly 200 feet of vertical relief may suit a gravity-flow winery; the extraordinary southern exposure also offers outstanding solar-energy potential. About 5,270 feet of 7-foot deer fencing, a 34-foot well tested at 13.3 GPM, a 2,429 sq ft 4-bedroom/3-bath farmhouse and barns provide an established operating base. Elk Cove Vineyards and Big Table Farm are nearby. A rare foundation for a world-class Mount Richmond wine estate.
