HISTORICAL Oregon Wineries

 

Louis Herboldt

After repeal of Prohibition, many Oregon farmers rushed to obtain a bonded winery license. These were “farmer winery” licenses which permitted farmers to produce light table wines from fruit they grew. The license fee was $25 (a lot of money at the time).

The first Oregon license was issued to Louis Herboldt, a European immigrant, in May 1934. He had raised grapes and produced wine in Europe and Palestine.


 

Fun Facts

First Oregon Bonded Farmer Winery 1934

He thought Oregon was a perfect place to grow grapes and reportedly said “As good wines can be made in Oregon as any place in the world”. He grew over 65 varieties of grapes on his vineyard.