Emerson Vineyards

I know this may seem trivial, but it means a lot to this WineTrail trekker That the half-mile drive from the Airlie Road turnoff to this winery is paved. Somebody paid big bucks to give you a smooth drive without the dust. That someone is owner Tom Johns, a retired executive from a biotech firm in Boca Raton, Florida, who moved across the country to fulfill a dream — starting a winery in the Willamette Valley. However, this former executive is anything but retired. He’s busy marketing the wine, managing the tasting room, and writing checks. Besides being really smart and savvy about business, Tom has another great asset that visitors discover: his infectious laugh.

The operation is a family affair with Tom’s son Elliott Johns serving as its “wines and vines” person. A graduate of Oregon State University’s fermentation science program, Elliott’s résumé includes winemaking jobs at Elk Cove Vineyards and Chard Farm Winery in New Zealand. Elliott clocks long days at the winery managing 24 acres planted with vines (20 of which are various pinot noir clones) and producing 2,500 cases of wine per year. Other “experimental” grapes planted include viognier, Maréchal Foch, baco noir, Leon Millot and Oberlin noir. Ultimately, these grapes are destined for blending to soften, add texture or round out a wine.

Elliott’s two dogs, Emmit and Birdy, are often at his heels. As Robert Parker Jr. wrote, “A dog is happiest when it is in the shadow of its owner.” Incidentally, Emmit will likely need to get an agent soon. He’s one of the dogs featured in the soon-to-be-published Wine Dogs USA book.

Tom came up with the attractive signage and packaging for the wine labels, borrowing from the Art Deco work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright. The intense blues, greens, and yellows found in the Emerson Vineyards logo carry through in the utilitarian doors of the tasting room and winery facilities. Even the name of the wine club reinforces the brand — The Waldo Society. However, beyond the packaging is that genuine smile and the caring attitude Tom shows visitors with each pour. Don’t be surprised if he asks you a little about how your day is going. With his innate kindness and strong business acumen, he’s a fine blend himself.