#USA #Willamette Valley #Carlton #McCollum Heritage 91 #Estate Wine

A New Chapter for McCollum Family Vineyard

CJ and Elise McCollum, the passionate couple behind McCollum Heritage 91, are excited to unveil their latest venture, McCollum Family Vineyard. This initiative marks a significant step in their evolution as vintners, as they turn their focus towards creating exceptional wine from their 318-acre estate in the esteemed Yamhill-Carlton AVA of Oregon's renowned Willamette Valley.

With this new brand, the McCollums aim to honor the foundational principles of McCollum Heritage 91 while reinforcing their commitment to land stewardship and sustainable wine production. The McCollum Family Vineyard embodies a thoughtful continuation of their family's legacy, deepening their roots in the vibrant community of Willamette Valley.

Preserving the Legacy

"Building our family's legacy through McCollum Heritage 91 has been a remarkable journey, and now with McCollum Family Vineyard, we are taking a bold new step," says CJ McCollum. The couple has been cultivating their dream of producing high-quality, estate-grown wines from the vineyard they have nurtured since its transformation from a Christmas tree farm in 2021.

The couple planted 56 acres with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vine varieties, which are now beginning to yield excellent fruit. As their grapes reach maturity, CJ and Elise see the perfect opportunity to showcase the unique qualities of their estate through their artisanal wines.

Commitment to Sustainability

Quality viticulture is deeply intertwined with sustainable farming practices at McCollum Family Vineyard. The winery has earned LIVE Certification and is recognized as Salmon-Safe, reflecting their dedication to environmentally friendly agricultural practices. As part of this commitment, CJ serves on the LIVE Board of Directors, advocating for sustainability within the wine industry.

Elise McCollum emphasizes, "McCollum Family Vineyard is a living expression of our dedication to creating a lasting family legacy while ensuring we're nurturing this precious land sustainably. By controlling the whole process from grape-growing to winemaking, we can deliver on the highest quality and tell the story of our vineyard authentically."

The Inaugural Portfolio

McCollum Family Vineyard has launched with an initial collection that includes a thoughtful selection of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé. The couple looks forward to expanding their offerings, with plans for a Sparkling wine program as the vineyard matures further. Winemaker Gina Hennen, who has been an integral part of their winery's journey, shifts her focus to developing wines from McCollum Family Vineyard's estate fruit, ensuring that each bottle reflects the integrity and purpose of this venture.

A Vision for the Future

While McCollum Heritage 91 remains a cornerstone of their business, McCollum Family Vineyard represents an intimate exploration of estate production and a commitment to thoughtful land stewardship. As the couple looks ahead, they plan to establish a tasting room and multi-purpose space in Carlton, inviting guests to experience the tranquil setting that inspired their journey to wine.

Their public debut will take place at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen on June 19, a milestone moment marking their entry into the competitive wine market. They are eager to share their unique, sustainably crafted wines with the world, and to provide an enriching experience for wine lovers.

For more information about McCollum Family Vineyard and to explore their wine offerings, visit McCollum Family Vineyard.

About McCollum Family Vineyard

McCollum Family Vineyard is the enchanting next chapter in the legacy of CJ and Elise McCollum, built on the foundation laid by McCollum Heritage 91. Committed to producing estate-driven wines that resonate with quality and intention, this vineyard stands as a testament to their dedication to sustainable practices and family heritage. Positioned in the illustrious Yamhill-Carlton AVA, McCollum Family Vineyard aims to craft wines that eloquently express their terroir and the passion that drives the McCollum family.