Pioneering Oregon Vineyards

 

Abbey Ridge Vineyard
(1978-Present)

Bill and Julia Wayne met at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. After graduation Bill studied viticulture at UC Davis, and then decided to pursue grape growing in Oregon.

In 1978 after consulting David Lett, Dick Erath, and Charles Coury the couple purchased 52 acres in the Dundee Hills near Worden Hill Road outside of Dundee. They initially planted about two acres on the sunniest slope of the property. Eventually twenty (20) acres of Pinot Noir were planted. Cuttings from Gary Fuqua, Dick Erath, and David Lett were used.

Grape growing was a challenge with birds eating the grapes at harvest, to Mt St Helen’s volcanic ash covering their vines. But with lots of hard work the Wayne’s vineyard proved successful and is still owned by the couple.

The Wayne’s are also co-owners of Cameron Winery in Dundee, which was established in 1983.


 

Fun Facts

Grape growing was a challenge with birds eating the grapes at harvest, to Mt St Helen’s volcanic ash covering their vines. But with lots of hard work the Wayne’s vineyard proved successful and is still owned by the couple.