The Next 50 Years

As a founding winery of the Willamette Valley we believe it is our duty to be steadfast stewards of this abundant land and to rally our community in support of equity and education. We have a responsibility to work with our community of partners to amplify muted voices and cultivate communities of inclusion and representation.

Every member of our organization is committed to treading lightly on the earth and supporting our local economy so that our vineyards, our wines, and our people remain here for generations to come.

This commitment is reflected in the five core pillars that guide everything we do:

Wine Quality:
Consistently raising the bar

Over 50 years of winemaking have shaped our commitment to quality. From the famous Steamboat Conference to today, we’ve dedicated ourselves to crafting wines that reflect the unique character of the Chehalem Mountains.

For us, quality is non-negotiable. It begins in the vineyard and continues in the cellar, where tradition meets innovation. With each vintage, we refine our techniques, explore new possibilities, and create wines that are more expressive and exciting than the last.

Every bottle is an invitation to taste the result of our relentless pursuit of excellence.

Sustainability:
Within our vineyards and beyond

When Adelsheim says we are a sustainable business, we mean that we continuously strive to find the most responsible balance between environment, community, and our business practices. Like high quality wine, finding a harmonious balance is vital for the long-term health and viability of our industry. We endeavor to achieve this by leading our industry in certified sustainable practices as well as the day-to-day choices we make as a winery, organization, and employer.

Read About Our Sustainability Efforts

Powered by the sun
A significant portion of our energy is generated by the sun. Lucky for us, Willamette Valley boasts quite a few more days of sunshine than our Portland neighbors. So, the next time you drive up Calkins Lane towards our Tasting Room, please gaze starboard to see our solar panels.

Clean and efficient
We want to go higher, while our gas usage goes lower. In 2017 we purchased an electric forklift for all of our cellar operations. As a result, we have significantly reduced our propane and natural gas usage — not to mention the kudos of our cellar staff.

Lights out
Why leave the lights on when no one’s around? In 2015, we installed motion sensor lighting in our tank room to ensure we only use what is necessary to keep our cellar crew happy and our wines tip top.

Lighten the load
In 2010, eco-friendly glass was introduced to house our Willamette Valley Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé. This lighter weight bottle maintains its integrity while helping cut down on the CO2 needed to produce and ship it.

Biodiversity
Biodiverse flora and fauna thrive throughout our vineyards. Take a vineyard hike and you’ll find bird boxes (home to Bluebirds, Barn Owls, and Kestrels) as well as wildlife corridors that encourage animals’ native migratory patterns. Roughly 24% of our total acres is unplanted or designated for ecological compensation. Along the vineyard rows you’ll see a blend of cover crops such as Cereal Rye, Common Vetch, and Crimson Clover. These natural protectors preserve our soil integrity during the rainy winter.

Closed-loop
We compost throughout our properties utilizing pomace from the past years’ harvest along with manure from other growers throughout Willamette Valley. Once digested, this waste is reintroduced into the vineyard, continuing its natural growth cycle.

Weeding the Oregon way
In an effort to reduce our chemical input and maintain soil integrity, we opt for mechanical weeding instead of spraying herbicides on our crops. Our double-sided clemens weed bars go below the surface to rip weeds. The benefit of this healthy alternative is unmatched, and easily seen throughout our vineyards.

Customer Experience:
Representing Oregon

We believe that luxury is not just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the entire experience. 

Representing Oregon means embracing the authenticity, warmth, and natural beauty uniquely found in the Willamette Valley. Whether you’re joining us for a curated tasting, exploring our caves with a private tour, or simply enjoying a bottle at home, every interaction reflects the care and passion we pour into our wines.

Our team is dedicated to making every experience exceptional. We aim to exceed your expectations at every turn. For us, this is a commitment to creating moments that linger long after the last sip.

Emphasis on place:
The Chehalem Mountains

The Chehalem Mountains are more than just our home—they are the soul of our wines. This region is defined by its diverse soils, elevations, and microclimates, which together create a tapestry of flavors that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

From the rich volcanic soils to the ancient marine sedimentary beds and the fine, wind-blown loess, we honor each site’s distinct character, allowing the land to speak through every bottle.

For us, winemaking is a celebration of place. It’s about capturing the essence of the Chehalem Mountains.

Community:
A people-first culture

 We believe that great wine is made not just in the vineyard or the cellar but through the people who bring it to life. Our community is the heart of everything we do, from the dedicated team members who tend the vines and craft the wines to the friends and neighbors who support us year after year.

For us, a people-first culture means prioritizing relationships, celebrating diversity, and giving back to the community that has given us so much. From supporting local initiatives to creating opportunities for education and collaboration, we are dedicated to making a positive impact.

How We Support Our Community

H2-A VISA
Adelsheim is an enthusiastic supporter of the H2-A Visa program, which allows us to hire and offer benefits to an incredible team of hard-working men and women who know our vineyards inside and out. Many have been farming this land for 20+ years. Their skill and experience are invaluable and keep our vineyards world-class in every way.

Access to Healthcare
Since its inception, Adelsheim has been deeply dedicated to the mission of ¡Salud!. ¡Salud! was created in 1992 by a group of Oregon winery owners and Tuality Healthcare physicians to address the hurdles faced by vineyard workers who cannot meet their basic healthcare needs. Each year between the months of May and September, ¡Salud! offers clinical outreach services providing workplace health screenings for seasonal vineyards workers and their families. These free clinics take place in the vineyard via the ¡Salud! mobile unit, eliminating barriers to care many workers face such as transportation, cost and language.

Help us raise funds at the annual auction! Learn more about ¡Salud! here.

Keeping it Local
From our charcuterie to our wine totes and insulated tumblers, we seek to partner with local chefs, makers, and manufacturers who share our same values and love of place.

Give Back
We support social, educational, and arts organizations that enrich, celebrate, and strengthen our community. Learn more about who we partner with and how you can help us support them throughout the year.

  • Harrington Family Foundation

  • Blazers Foundation

    • 10% of revenue from the sale of our commemorative Blazers wines was donated to the Blazers Foundation. 

  • Growing Gardens

    • Every April for Earth Month, a percentage of Rosé sales are donated to Growing Gardens to support food-insecure communities.

  • TASTE

    • Supporting equity in Oregon’s food & wine community.

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