Pioneering Oregon Vineyards

 

Celilo Vineyard
(1972-Present)

Columbia Gorge, Washington


Seattle surgeon Dr. William McAndrew bought the Celilo property and planted the first vines in 1972. The property is located on Underwood Mountain, just north of Hood River on the Washington side of the Columbia River.

The property consists of two blocks. The first is located at a higher elevation and totals about 80 acres of which thirty (30) acres are planted in grapes and the rest in pears. The 50-acre second block at a lower elevation is planted to pears.

The vineyard primarily grows white varietals including Pinot Gris, Gruner Veltliner, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Muller-Thurgau. Pinot Noir and some Merlot are also planted. The vineyard is well known for producing very good Chardonnay and Celilo grapes are sought after by many Washington and Oregon wineries.

The vineyard is located in a unique area of the Columbia Gorge. It is sloped perfectly to catch the southern sun and there is enough rainfall to allow dry-land farming without the need for irrigation. The soil is composed mostly of deep volcanic ash.

Longtime vineyard manager Rick Ensminger spent over 40 years managing the vineyard. The vineyard was sold in 2015 to Walla Walla-based Corliss Estates.


 

Fun Facts

The vineyard primarily grows white varietals including Pinot Gris, Gruner Veltliner, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Muller-Thurgau. Pinot Noir and some Merlot are also planted. The vineyard is well known for producing very good Chardonnay and Celilo grapes are sought after by many Washington and Oregon wineries.