Today, we are proud to share the beginning of a dream that has been years in the making.
We are incredibly excited to introduce McCollum Family Vineyard Wines and to share our inaugural releases of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé. These wines represent years of hard work, patience, learning, and an immense amount of love. They are the culmination of a journey that began long before we ever planted a vineyard.
Our wine story started back in 2012 while we were in college. Elise’s parents gifted us a bottle of Merlot, and while we knew very little about wine at the time, it sparked our curiosity. Like many young couples, we enjoyed ordering a glass of wine on date nights and slowly began exploring what was out there.
A year later, everything changed.
In 2013, I was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, introducing us to the Pacific Northwest and, ultimately, to Oregon wine country. During my rookie season, I became a regular at RingSide Steakhouse in Portland. Wanting to learn more about wine before Elise came to visit, I often asked questions and tasted recommendations from the staff.
One evening, a bartender named Jim poured me a glass of Walter Scott Pinot Noir sourced from Bryan Creek Vineyard. At the time, I did not know much about Walter Scott, Oregon Pinot Noir, or volcanic soils. However, I knew that the wine was unlike anything I had tasted before.
That single glass of wine sent us down a rabbit hole that would ultimately change our lives.
Over the following years, we began exploring the Willamette Valley whenever we could. We tasted wines, visited vineyards, asked countless questions, and immersed ourselves in a world that felt both inspiring and welcoming. Along the way, we met incredible people who generously shared their knowledge and passion.
One of the most influential moments came when we met Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon of Walter Scott Wines. We were inspired not only by the wines they created, but by the life they had built around them. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to creating a family-driven business left a lasting impression on us.
Just as meaningful was the feeling we experienced every time we visited wine country. The tranquility, beauty, and sense of connection stood in stark contrast to the fast-paced lives we were living. The Willamette Valley became a place where we could slow down, reconnect, and spend meaningful time together. It offered a sense of peace and presence we found ourselves craving.
As the years passed, our connection to Oregon deepened. Some of our most treasured memories were created there. We celebrated milestones with family and friends, shared countless bottles around the table, and eventually exchanged our vows surrounded by a landscape that had become incredibly meaningful to us.
Along the way, we also had the privilege of learning from extraordinary people, including our dear friend and winemaker, Gina Hennen. Her knowledge, passion, and dedication to thoughtful farming and winemaking inspired us deeply and helped shape our understanding of what it takes to create truly exceptional wines.
In 2021, we found a special piece of land in Carlton, Oregon.
From the moment we stepped onto the property, we felt a sense of peace and belonging. We knew this was a place where we wanted to put down roots and create something lasting for our family.
The following year, we planted our vineyard from the ground up. We began this project with a vision of creating a place where people can gather, slow down, disconnect from the noise of everyday life, and reconnect with one another over thoughtfully farmed and carefully crafted wines.
McCollum Family Vineyard was born from our love for this place, our passion for wine, and our desire to create something meaningful, something rooted in family, connection, hospitality, and a deep respect for the land.
Today, we are honored to share the first wines from that dream with you.
Our inaugural release includes a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé that reflect the beautiful character of the Willamette Valley, and also the years of learning, relationships, and experiences that brought us here.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. Whether you have shared a meal with us, visited the vineyard, opened a bottle with friends, or simply followed along on this journey, thank you.
We are beyond excited to finally share these wines and this story with you.
To explore our inaugural release, start with the home page to learn more about the wines, the vineyard, and the journey that brought us here.
Cheers,
CJ & Elise