Winemaker: William A. Gianopulos
Willy became interested in wine and grape growing while completing a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering in Stockholm, Sweden. During his three year residence in Europe, a visit to Burgundy's famed Cote D'Or region was the catalyst for the intense interest and passion for Pinot Noir wines.
His educational background provided the necessary chemistry and equipment handling knowledge to get started. His relatives have been growing grapes and making wine for generations in the mountainous Greek Peloponnese region. Besides his Greek heritage, his roots include Tuscarora Native American(North Carolina natives which eventually migrated to Upstate New York, English and German(relatives were founders of Schenectady,NY). Two Great Grandparents, William P. Cornelius and William B. Cornelius fought for the 55th Virginian Army(1861-1864). William P. was captured in The Battle of the Wilderness and died in a Union prison camp in El Mira, NY. William B. survived Picket's charge at Gettysburg and lived into his eighties in White Stone, Va. Willy was raised in Woodstock, New York during the 1960s and 1970s amongst many prominent artists, musicians, poets and writers. It left an imprint of creative artistry, another key ingredient to fine wine making. After attempting to grow wine grapes in cold Vermont he relocated his family to Oregon in 1987 and purchased land in rural Washington County hill country about an hours drive southwest of Portland. Planting the vineyard began in 1988 and the winery was constructed during the summer of 1998, just in time for the first commercial crush.
Today the winery is producing 1,700 cases/year using the latest technology to produce old school Pinot Noir and dry Rose wines. Production will peak at 2,000 cases/year. Future plans include planting and producing an Albarino Spanish white wine. The winery is open to the public at Memorial Day and Thanksgiving Holidays or for private tours for large groups by appointment.
