Pioneering Oregon Wineries

 

Panther Creek Cellars
(1986-present)

Along with other partners Ken and Corby Wright established Panther Creek Cellars in 1986. Wright attended UC Davis in the mid-1970’s and decided that Oregon was the best place to grow and make fine Pinot Noir. He worked 5+ years in the California wine industry to gain experience.

Panther Creek

The winery’s name “Panther Creek” was suggested by Nick Peirano of Nick’s Italian Café.

In 1990 Wright bought and remodeled the City of McMinnville’s former power house, which served as his winery, tasting room and headquarters. Over the years wright produced many award winning complex and powerful Pinot Noir wines.

Eventually Wright sold Panther Creek Cellars to Ron and Linda Kaplan, and established Ken Wright Cellars in Carlton. The Kaplans hired Mark Vlossack as their winemaker. Michael Stevenson became their winemaker in 1998. In August 2005 the Kaplan’s sold Panther Creek Cellars to Chambers McMinnville LLC.

In May 2013 the Panther Creek brand was purchased by Bacchus Capital Management and moved to Dundee.

The building is now owned by Elizabeth Chambers Cellars who has established her own brand.


 

Fun Fact

The winery’s name “Panther Creek” was suggested by Nick Peirano of Nick’s Italian Café.