Soter Vineyard’s Mineral Springs Ranch is southwest of Portland, Oregon on the eastern edge of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, a sub-appellation of Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley. The 240-acre property in planted to 32 acres of grape vines that include 30 acres of Pinot Noir and two acres of Chardonnay from which we make our Brut Rosé, Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir and Mineral Springs (White Label) Pinot Noir.
The site where Mineral Springs Ranch flourishes is called Savannah Ridge; given its name from the centuries old Oak trees that cluster intermittently across its spine helping to increase the natural biodiversity of the property as well as the beauty of this special place. Mineral Springs Vineyard is thought of by many to be one of the new world’s benchmark sites for growing great Pinot Noir but is also home to hundreds of sheep, chickens, quail and other animals, fruit orchards, a vegetable farm, grassland, forest, great people and our tasting room we all lovingly refer to as “the lodge”. The convergence of all of these things makes the ranch a hive of creative activity.
All That We Are
Our vineyards are perched on a hill surrounded by hundreds of acres of lush grassland, forests, riparian corridors, and majestic oaks. The vineyards are just a small part of the magic of this place. Though the property boasts 30 pristine acres of Pinot Noir and two acres of Chardonnay it is also home to hundreds of sheep and chickens, quail, donkeys, alpacas, a llama, dogs, fruit orchards, abundant gardens, grassland, forest and people; all of which come together to make Mineral Springs Ranch a unique and indescribably special place, alive with energy and creativity.
Past, Present, Future
Native Oregonians Tony and Michelle Soter purchased the property in 2001 and began the process of converting what had once been a dairy farm with rolling green hills and antique barns into one of the most spectacular vineyards and farms in Oregon. Since then they have made it their mission to grow world-class wines every vintage, allowing the distinct character of each vintage and the vineyard, to express itself while focusing on quality and consistency. With the combined experience, knowledge and passion of our winemaking team Tony Soter, James Cahill and Chris Fladwood, we continue to strive to not only produce and share outstanding wines vintage after vintage, but also to continue our pursuit towards more sustainable practices both as an agricultural business and as members of our community.
With an eye on the future and the generations that will follow, we at Soter Vineyards continue the tradition of making beautiful, handcrafted wines which resonate with a sense of place and are marked with unmistakable identity that can only be from Mineral Springs Ranch
Ranch Manager, Nadine Basile, has brought her knowledge, experience and passion to the ranch. Together, with the vision of Michelle and Tony Soter, they have begun the process of bringing Mineral Springs Ranch into its greatest potential. Already plentiful in ecological diversity and rich in seasonal reaping we are just at the birthplace of all the ranch has to offer.
On The Horizon
For those who have visited us at Mineral Springs Ranch, you may have walked our employee garden where we grow fruits and veggies for winery events as well as for our staff to enjoy. You may have seen our hundreds of sheep grazing the hillsides helping to protect and enhance the land, as well as mow our lawn and provide us with fiber.
With all of this, as well as winegrowing of course, we still have plenty in development as well. On the North side of the property, our chickens and quail are busy supplying us with fresh eggs and meat and our alpacas watch over the property as well provide us with even more fiber. We have planted additional fruit trees as well as raspberries to go along with our existing orchards and cane berries. Soon, we will be working with local ranchers to bring cows to the property to help us increase the fertility of our pastures and vineyards and we are looking forward to raising our own Mineral Springs lamb in the future as well.
We are inspired by the abundance within the Willamette Valley and in so continue to maintain a diverse natural habitat integrating wild areas with pastures and fruit orchards established by prior generations. We do this in hopes that future generations will continue to honor the history and heritage of the land and continue the noble tradition of mindful stewardship of the land.