About
Schedule a private wine tasting with us and enjoy a very special experience.
Appointments are available Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm. Yes, we allow groups, and ask that you contact us at least 48 hours ahead of time for groups of 6 or more.
Making great wine begins with growing great grapes in a great place with great soil. Situated in the heart of the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticulture Area, the 11-acre Carlton Hill Vineyard is the exclusive source of fruit for our Carlton Hill Estate and Estate Reserve Pinot Noir—and this vineyard is something special.
Location & Soil
Carlton Hill Vineyard is unusual among its Oregon peers and neighbors because it enjoys a pure eastern exposure to the sun, not unlike the great Gran Cru vineyards of Burgundy, but in contrast to most Oregon vineyards which face south. We believe the eastern orientation of our vineyard allows the grapes to ripen in the most gentle manner possible, preserving the delicate-yet-complex nature of the Pinot Noir grape.
Planting Scheme & Clones
Carlton Hill Vineyard was originally planted in 1999 as 6 acres, 3 each of 115 and 777 Dijon clones. In 2008, we expanded, planting an additional 5 acres; adding the Wadenswil and Pommard clones.
Desiring wines with concentrated, intense flavors, we chose a dense planting scheme. As a grower, we really focus on canopy management, crop yield and quality. Grapes don’t just grow themselves! The Pinot Noir grape, in particular, is a fussy one.
Yield
Our intensive efforts during the growing season usually yield about 2 tons of Pinot Noir grapes to the acre. Based on weather (and collateral damage by hungry birds), this number can change, but it’s our aim.
