Maresh Red Barn

It was in the mid-’70s that Jim and Loie Maresh’s neighbor Dick Erath suggested to them that they plant pinot noir on their farm. Erath Vineyards had proven that Oregon could produce outstanding pinot, and Dick knew that this farm on Worden Road, down the hill from his vineyard, would also produce excellent pinot noir. He was right.

What’s interesting is that Jim and Loie didn’t have a lick of farming experience when they acquired the property way back in 1959. However, the selling agent required that they purchase all 27 acres and not just a portion of the land. I guess you could say they bought the farm.

Over the years they replaced orchards with pinot noir, pinot blanc, sauvignon blanc, riesling, and pinot gris grapes, and sold their annual harvest to Erath Vineyards. And, as their neighbors left the area, they acquired more property for growing grapes. Eventually, they realized that they should retain a portion of the grapes for themselves and their own Maresh Red Barn label. Annual case production is small; only about 1,000 cases, and those are only sold at the Maresh Red Barn, a delightful stop along the Dundee Hills WineTrail North. The view from inside the tasting room is equal to the view of the red barn from the outside. Both are beautiful.

Today, following the passing of Loie, Jim and his offspring manage Maresh Red Barn Vineyard. The vineyard now consumes 60 acres of prime Dundee Hills real estate. Its roots go 15 to 18 feet deep into the Jory soil in search of water. The result is an earthy pinot noir with delicate flavors, garnet colors, and light cherry notes. It’s the quintessential Oregon pinot noir. You can smell its very essence.

WineTrail Tip: Need a place to stay for a family reunion or corporate retreat? Check out the Maresh Red Hill Vineyard Retreat, nestled amongst vineyards with great views of the Cascades. Call Martha Maresh at 503-538-7034 for details.