OUr ESTATE
FINDING HOME
A WINE DESTINATION
OUR ESTATE
Perched atop a striking knoll and surrounded by vines on three sides, we designed our Tasting Room to give those willing to make the journey a true reward. Visitors are greeted with panoramic valley views and a front row seat to one of the region’s most unique geologic effects …the Van Duzer Corridor.
For decades, the specialness of the region was prized among writers and winemakers, who made the Oregon pilgrimage to taste for themselves the unique impact of wind and marine soils on Pinot Noir.
The Van duzer corridor ava
In 2019, the Van Duzer Corridor was officially designated a distinct sub-AVA of the Willamette Valley, permanently cementing its position as one of Willamette Valley’s premier grape growing regions.
Unlike the more developed wine regions to the north, you’ll find Van Duzer Vineyards much like it was a quarter century ago when Carl and Marilynn Thoma were first captivated by the windswept hills on the outskirts of the nascent Willamette Valley wine region.
A Wine Destination
Our Estate
As the oldest winery in the AVA, Van Duzer Vineyards has naturally evolved into the defining producer of cool-climate Pinot Noir in the Van Duzer Corridor, where a location unlike any other, produces uniquely Oregon wines, which truly are…crafted by the wind.
When you visit Van Duzer Vineyards, it is a bit like stepping back in time, when Willamette Valley was “yet to be fully discovered” and wineries and vineyards were few and far between.
This is a winery with few neighbors beyond a wildlife refuge, and we like it that way.
Curated Vineyards
OUR TEAM
Head Winemaker
Our winemaker, Eric, was raised in New Hampshire where he spent his summers working on local vegetable farms. This inspired a love for the land, leading him to Cornell University, where he received a degree in Viticulture and Enology. His passion for wine led him around the globe, doing winemaking stints in New York, Spain and Australia before spending several years in the Napa Valley honing his craft. After a decade as a globetrotting winemaker, his passion for the lively and bright wines we produce here in Oregon brought him home to the Willamette Valley. When Eric isn’t busy making wine, he’s out in the mountains fishing, biking or rock-climbing. On rainy days in the off season, you’ll find him in the kitchen whipping up a batch of homemade chili crisp — the spicier the better!
Vineyard Manager
An Idaho native, Bruce grew up on a dryland farm on the expansive Camas prairie. After moving to Oregon in the late 1990’s, he fell in love with viticulture. He’s dedicated his career to farming grapes sustainably — and currently serves as the Chair of LIVE Certifed — a renowned non-profit based here in Oregon that supports environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing. He’s also passionate about conservation and has led our efforts to aid in preservation of the native oak savannas on our property, as well as working with the US Fish & Wildlife department to preserve habitat for the endangered Blue Fender butterfly. When he’s not hard at work keeping our vineyards healthy, you’ll find Bruce hunting, spending time with his family or kicking back with a small-cask Bourbon.
General Manager | Director of Sales
Hailing from the state of Indiana, Chris settled in Oregon over two decades ago. A Pinot Noir fanatic, he’s passionate about introducing our wines — and this special part of the world — to wine lovers around the country. A Court of Master Advanced Sommelier as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, Chris brings his deep knowledge of wine and extensive experience in the wine industry to his work. He has also had the pleasure to travel to the top wine regions in the world in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Chile, Argentina and Australia. When he’s not at work, you’ll probably find him standing in a river with a fly rod in his hand. If it’s too cold to fish, you’ll find him planning his next trip someplace warm or snowboarding on the slopes.
Operations & Administration Manager
Pacific Northwest Brand Ambassador
After almost 3 decades in Oregon — and in the Oregon wine industry — Lee is the perfect person to share our story with our local fans here in the Pacific Northwest. He loves sharing our wines and our stories with fans from Seattle to Bend. In his free time, you’ll find him walking his dogs, Bella and Letti, fly-fishing or planning his next van-camping trip.
Marketing Project Manager
The daughter of two chefs, Angela grew up in her family’s Italian restaurant surrounded by food and wine from an early age. This love of wine led her to work harvests up and down the west coast and work as a sommelier at a luxury ranch in the wilds of Montana. In her role as Van Duzer’s chief storyteller, she’s passionate about sharing our people, wines and unique location here in the corridor. In her free time, you’ll find her with her horses Espresso and Romeo, gardening or sipping on local bubbles.
Assistant Tasting Room Manager
An Oregonian through and through, Randy loves meeting new people at the tasting room and making them smile by introducing them to our wines. When he’s not slinging wine, you’ll find him chopping firewood and mending fences on his family farm. If he’s not sipping our Pinot Noir, you’ll find him kicking back with a nice Pilsner.
