My Latest in Wine Business Monthly:
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Acquires Methven Family Vineyards in Willamette Valley’s Eola-Amity Hills AVA
by L.M. Archer
Dayton, Oregon – Domaine Drouhin Oregon has acquired Methven Family Vineyards in Willamette Valley’s Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
“We knew the Methvens were considering selling the property a couple years ago, and we had a chance to see it then,” said David Millman, President and CEO of Domaine Drouhin Oregon. “For various reasons, it wasn’t the right moment, but we came back to the idea a few months ago.”
Right Time
In the acquisition, the Drouhins acquire a winery facility, visitor space, and about 85 acres. This includes 30 acres of LIVE-certified sustainable vineyards planted to Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.
Conversely, the Methven family will retain their brand, and operation of their downtown Dundee tasting room.The 2022 harvest concludes their custom crush work at the Eola-Amity Hills winery facility.
“We are looking forward to getting to know Jill Methven (she’ll be our neighbor!), and her family, even though we’re very sad that Dr. Methven passed away in March,” added Millman.
“I am very happy to hand the reins to the Drouhin Family,” said Jill Methven, widow of the late Dr. Allen Methven. “Allen was passionate about Willamette Valley wine, our winery and our vineyards. It would please him deeply to know that his work is in such good hands.”
Right Place
The Methven acquisition marks the second Eola-Amity Hills AVA holding for the Drouhin family, who acquired Roserock Oregon in 2013. The first Burgundian winemaking family to establish roots in the Willamette Valley, they founded Domaine Drouhin Oregon in 1987 atop Dundee Hills. Today that estate totals 235 acres.
But the Drouhin’s winemaking story begins in Bourgogne five generations ago, with the establishment of Maison Joseph Drouhin in 1880. Their historic headquarters in the center of Beaune contain the ancient cellars of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Kings of France. READ MORE HERE.