2010 | A Chance Meeting at Lehigh
CJ McCollum and Elise McCollum meet while students at Lehigh University, marking the beginning of a partnership that would shape both their lives and future ventures.
Early 2010s | Discovering Wine Together
Elise introduces CJ to the world of wine. What begins as curiosity slowly becomes a shared passion, one bottle and one dinner at a time.
2013 | A Dream Realized
CJ is drafted into the NBA, beginning his professional basketball career and setting the stage for a move to the Pacific Northwest.
Mid-2010s | Discovering the Willamette Valley
During CJ’s time with the Portland Trail Blazers, CJ & Elise begin exploring Oregon wine country with any free time they get together, deepening their appreciation for the wine produced in the valley, and the people behind it.
Countless Weekends | Falling in Love with Oregon Wine
Tastings, vineyard walks, and conversations with winemakers and vineyard owners, slowly transform admiration into inspiration.
2020 | Launch of McCollum Heritage 91
CJ and Elise launch their first wine label, inspired by family legacy and CJ and Elise’s birth years (1991). The debut release quickly sells out, confirming that their passion resonates with wine lovers.
2020 | The First Bottles Shared
What began as a personal passion project becomes something bigger: a way to bring people together through wine, community, and storytelling.
2021 | A Vineyard of Their Own
The McCollums purchase a 318-acre property in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, setting the foundation for a long-term vision rooted in place and sustainability.
2022 | The Work Begins
Vineyard planning and development begin as the couple works alongside Oregon winegrowers to shape the future estate.
2023–2025 | Estate Takes Shape
Vineyard blocks are planted across the property, reaching 56 acres under vine, focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
2025 | Joining the Carlton Winemakers Studio
Winemaking expands with production at the Carlton Winemakers Studio, collaborating with some of Oregon’s most respected wine professionals.
2025 | Growing National Distribution
Wines from McCollum Heritage 91 reach new markets across the U.S., expanding the community of people sharing in the McCollum story.
2025 | The First Vineyard Dinner
The McCollums host their first event on the Carlton property- an intimate vineyard dinner set among the vines. For the first time, guests gather to experience the land, the wines, and the vision for what the estate will become. The evening marks the beginning of welcoming others to share in the magic of the property.
Today | A Vineyard Becomes a Legacy
The McCollum family estate in Carlton continues to evolve- guided by a commitment to stewardship, community, and wines that reflect the land they now call home.
Introducing McCollum Family Vineyard
A new chapter begins: a label rooted fully in the estate and the idea that great wines tell the story of a place.
Coming Soon | Estate Tasting Room
A future gathering place where guests can experience the vineyard, the wines, and the story firsthand.
The Legacy Continues
What began with a shared love of wine and each other, continues to grow for generations to come.
Just as the vineyard is a living expression of CJ and Elise’s commitment to building a family legacy, the label is the visual representation of their dream. The flowers in the bouquet represent the birth flower of each family member:
CJ: the aster, standing for wisdom, patience and devotion
Elise: the delphinium, meaning dignity and grace, strong bonds and connection
Jacobi: the carnation, symbolizing gratitude and deep appreciation
Margaux: the chrysanthemum, representing joy, positivity and longevity
