Pioneering Oregon Wineries

 

Ma Bender’s
(1968-1975)

In 1968 Loretta Bender, reportedly known affectionately to her friends as “Ma Bender”, opened her fruit and berry winery in Sandy, Oregon.

She produced a wide variety of wines from locally grown fruit and berries. The winery was popular with folks traveling to and from Mt Hood. Ma Bender’s closed in 1975 much to the unhappiness, no doubt, of her customers.


 

Fun Facts

Loretta “Ma” Bender was locally known as a school bus driver. Then she bonded her winery and used locally grown raspberries to make her popular wine.