Misty Oaks Vineyard

Misty Oaks Vineyard is the first stop along the Mid-Umpqua Valley WineTrail. In many ways, it is typical of other nearby wineries, yet it has some unique touches.

Like many winemakers in the Umpqua, Steve and Christy Simmons came to Oregon to grow grapes and make wine. In their case, they began their new life in 2000, after spending 30 years in Alaska, the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” The Simmons purchased vineyard property in the so-called Tyee foothills of Umpqua. No doubt they were giddy with excitement and just a little stunned, as in “Oh my God,what have we done?” As they note on their website, starting their winery was an opportunity to get “dirt under the fingernails” and experience “skunks on the porch.” This adventurous move also led to making good friends and experiencing winemaking collaboration Oregon style. After all, a helping hand and sage advice make the difference when it comes to planting grapes and making wine.

There is something magical about the sight of a stately oak standing tall among vineyard rows. It’s a common scene throughout the Umpqua region, yet it never fails to delight. Add a veil of mist for atmosphere and the image would be postcard perfect. But during my hot August visit to Misty Oaks Vineyard, there was no mist in sight. No matter. At an elevation that approaches 1,000 feet, the winery does offer breathtaking views to the valley below.

For me, the best feature of Misty Oaks Vineyard are the names of its wines, which have been labelled after some of the Simmons’ experiences in the vineyard. Their red blend goes by “Gobblers Knob,” a nod to the wild turkeys that trot about the property. How about Stuckagain Heights Pinot Noir? There has to be a story there. Friendswood Gewurztraminer had me Googling its name, but all I discovered was the location of Friendswood, Texas. My favorite Misty Oaks wine name is Constitution Ridge Pinot Blanc, that for me implies a sense of strength.

It’s clear that Alaska is a chilly memory for Steve and Christy. Their lives are about the vines and the wines. They live in the present — pruning vines, destemming grapes, and blending reds. The demands of their vineyard likely have them jumping out of bed a little earlier in the morning, ready for another day of making wine — and memories fit to earn a name on one of their bottles.