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Profile ~ Eola Hills Wine Cellars
Tom Huggins, founder and general manager of
Eola Hills Wine Cellars, had a dream rooted in
facts. He knew that great wines could only come
from great vineyards, and through his former occu-
pation as an agricultural insurance expert, he knew
where that precious vineyard land was located. This
knowledge enabled him to purchase some prime
sites for his own vineyards in the rolling terrain of
the northwest Willamette Valley of Oregon, and to
fulfill a dream of creating his own wine.
Situated in a natural weather shadow of the Coast
Range, which moves storms from the Pacific Ocean
north to Portland and south below Salem, the Eola
Hills vineyards are protected from weather ex-
tremes. Yet in summer, a gorge carved by ancient
glaciers draws in maritime air to provide ideal cool-
ing for sensitive varietals in those warmer months.
In 1986 the first crop was harvested and made
into wine by a nearby winery. The wine’s quality
provided ample proof of the vineyards’ potential.
Therefore, in 1987, Eola Hills Wine Cellars was
constructed in Rickreall.
Eola Hills, with Steve Anderson as the head
winemaker, now produces a large number of vari-
etals from estate vineyards and from grapes they
purchase. These include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurz-
traminer, Merlot, Riesling, Sangiovese, Syrah,
Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel, as well as dessert
and holiday wines. They also make private label
wines for many prestigious restaurants, resorts and
hotels. These wines are identical to those produced
under Eola Hills’ own label.
Annual output at Eola Hills is about 60,000
cases, with international distribution.
Eola Hills frequently hosts weddings, birthday
parties, class reunions, corporate functions,
fundraisers and more at their facility. They have
also started the development of their new signature
property, Legacy Vineyard, a 162-acre parcel west
of Salem that is surrounded by lush forest land,
gently flowing creeks, and breathtaking views of
the Coast Range and Willamette Valley. The lake
with its tranquil atmosphere is a perfect backdrop
for any type of special event.
Quick Facts
Address:
501 S. Pacific Hwy. (99W), Rickreall
Phone:
503-623-2405
Hours:
Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Website:
