Bolton Cellars

Dan Bolton’s 6-foot-4-inch frame belies his gentle nature. But the owner of Bolton Cellars has a contagious smile, a caring attitude, and a great sense of fun. As Patty Rolen, the manager of his The Dalles tasting room, puts it, “Dan wants the tasting room to be an enjoyable experience. If we’re not having fun sharing our wine with folks, then why bother?” In keeping with this philosophy, Bolton Cellars hosts Cinco de Vino in May and cosponsors events with the local chamber of commerce and other organizations to raise funds and help causes.

It was Dan Bolton’s distant relative, Absalom Bolton, who homesteaded the family farm in 1858. Dan himself is the fourth generation of Boltons to work the farm. We suspect, however, that Absalom would be surprised to find that, instead of wheat, the Bolton farm is producing premium varietals such as merlot and pinot noir. But take a good look at the Bolton Cellars wine labels. Sporting images of wheat, weather vanes and tractors, the labels pay homage to the farm. My personal favorite is the picture of the Great Southern Railroad train on the Bolton Cellars’ pinot noir. The railroad once went through this property and must have made for some fitful, sleep-depriving nights.

Bolton Cellars produces 100 percent estate wines from two vineyards. The main vineyard and family farm is located on the northeast edge of Dufur Valley near The Dalles; the other vineyard is located in Washington, across the Columbia River at Horsethief Lake. Growing grapes for Bolton Cellars is in itself, a huge commitment, but Dan also manages to squeeze in a full-time job working for The Dalles Iron Works. Fortunately, he has excellent staff and volunteers to assist in creating wine and happy customers. The actual winemaking is left to Tim Schechtel, co-owner/winemaker of Erin Glenn Winery, which ironically is located next door to the The Dalles Iron Works.

Volunteer staff for Bolton Cellars get to sell their wares at the tasting room. You can find wallets, sunglasses cases, jewelry, note cards, and wine bags to purchase. You may want to splurge and get both the Beaver- and the Duck-adorned wine bags — to keep the family peace.

Tradition. Hard work. Fun. Great wine. These words come to mind when I think of Bolton Cellars.