Namasté Vineyards

A journey of the heart brought Dave Masciorini to this rolling hilltop south of the Eola Hills. Call it a spiritual quest. However, his California background included a healthy dose of vineyard dreams and so it was only natural that he plunked down his savings on a vineyard. When the time came to name his newly acquired vineyard, it seemed only natural to call it Namasté Vineyards.

The Sanskrit word “namasté” means “I honor the Spirit in you, which is also in me” and is a common refrain heard in India and Nepal. In keeping with the Eastern theme, a yin-yang-inspired sign greets visitors when they turn off dusty Van Well Road. From there it’s a half-mile climb to the top of the hill. When you shut the car engine off, you notice the tranquility of the property. It’s quiet. Life’s pace slows down, and you can’t help but notice the Adirondack chairs positioned to enjoy the view of the 200-acre vineyard. It provides the perfect setting for any special event, from a small intimate wedding to a large family reunion.

Looking at the tasting room from the outside, you would never know that the building is actually a Quonset hut bearing a façade with a set of French doors that hide the semi-circular roofline. Inside, the atmosphere is wonderfully uplifting, with a warm Mediterranean feeling given off by the golden-orange blown-in insulation on the ceiling, which contrasts sharply to the deep blue walls. On my visit, I had the honor of talking with Dave, who was pouring samples of the winery’s Willamette Valley wines, and as I tasted its array of whites (chardonnay, riesling, gewürztraminer, and a white blend called Peace) as well as couple of pinot noirs, Dave spoke about Namasté’s entrepreneurial growth. Unlike many of the surrounding wineries that started with deep pockets, Namasté Vineyards’ path has been incremental. Each year, it seems, he takes on a new project, from insulating the tasting room to replacing the portable potty with a bathroom.

In terms of winemaking, Dave turns to his nearby neighbor, Andreas Wetzel, of Chateau Bianca. He provides the yin (grapes) and Andreas brings brings the yang (vinification). The result is a convergence of joy, peace, and abundance at this winery. Namasté.