Rosé & Riesling: Expanding the Palate

As our vineyard and winery evolved, so did our vision.

What began with a focus on classic Oregon varietals gradually grew into something more – an opportunity to create wines that welcomed a wider range of tastes and experiences. With the introduction of Rosé and Riesling, we began to expand beyond expectations, embracing both versatility and approachability in new ways.

A New Direction

The Story of Rosy Cheeks

In 2006, we released the first vintage of Rosy Cheeks, our semi-sweet Rosé.

At the time, Rosé was far from the category it is today. In many tasting rooms, especially in our region, wine offerings were centered around Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Rosé was relatively uncommon, and sweeter styles even more so.

Rosy Cheeks marked an important shift for us.

It was our first step beyond traditional expectations – an intentional move to create a wine that welcomed a broader audience and embraced those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their glass. Bright, fruit-forward, and approachable, it quickly became a favorite for guests looking for something refreshing and easy to enjoy.

More than just a new wine, it represented a new way of thinking: that great wine should meet people where they are.

A Rosé for Every Palate

Building a Rosé Program

As interest in Rosé grew across the wine world, so did our commitment to exploring its potential.

In 2010, we introduced our first Dry Rosé, crafted using the saignée method – a technique where juice is “bled off” from red wine fermentation early on. This method produces a more structured Rosé with added depth and intensity.

Our Dry Rosé often blends Pinot Noir from our estate vineyard with varietals like Syrah or Tempranillo from partner vineyards in Southern Oregon, bringing together different expressions of Oregon-grown fruit into a single wine.

Over time, our Rosé program continued to expand:

  • A Sparkling Rosé, adding brightness and celebration
  • A Pinot Noir Rosé, showcasing a more classic, varietal-driven style

Between 2018 and 2019, these additions rounded out our portfolio to include four distinct expressions of Rosé.

Today, we see Rosé as a true bridge in the wine world – something that can appeal to lovers of white wine, red wine, sweet wine, and sparkling alike. It’s a category defined by versatility, and one that continues to evolve with each vintage.

A Study in Range

Our Riesling Program

Alongside Rosé, Riesling has played an important role in expanding our portfolio.

With 5.5 acres of Riesling planted on our estate, this varietal has long been part of our vineyard’s story. In 2005, we produced our first semi-sweet Riesling, offering a bright, aromatic option for those who prefer a softer, fruit-forward style.

A few years later, we introduced a dry Riesling, highlighting the remarkable range this varietal can achieve. Known globally for its versatility, Riesling can span from crisp and mineral-driven to richly textured and slightly sweet, all while maintaining vibrant acidity.

That balance of freshness and structure is what makes Riesling especially unique among white wines, and what allows it to age gracefully over time.

Recognizing this potential, our winemaking team implemented a library program for Riesling, allowing select vintages to develop additional complexity with age. While many white wines are meant to be enjoyed young, Riesling is one of the few that can evolve beautifully in the bottle – gaining depth, texture, and character over the years.

Expanding What Wine Can Be

Rosé and Riesling represent an important chapter in our story—one where we began to think beyond tradition and embrace a wider spectrum of styles and preferences.

From semi-sweet to dry, still to sparkling, these wines reflect a simple idea: that wine should be inclusive, approachable, and full of possibility.