Secret House Winery

Fairy wings are optional here.

Secret House Winery, located on a 54-acre plot of land in Veneta, in the southern Willamette Valley, is the site of the annual Faerieworlds Festival. During July, fantasy lovers from all over gather here for a weekend of fun and celebration of life’s magic. It’s all about art, music, and imagination. It’s also a wonderful time to imbibe in the many wines of Secret House Winery.

Founded in 1991 by self-described former hippies Patti and Ron Chappel, Secret House Winery got its start because of a burglary. The Chappels had purchased the vineyard during the 1980s as an investment, but when their Oriental rug business was robbed, they opted to make a lifestyle change and move to Veneta to start Secret House Winery. Using grapes from different sources, including their own 27-acre estate vineyard, the couple set about creating high-quality wines at affordable prices. Their goal from the get-go has been to produce wines, such as pinot noir, that often sell for $40 and higher with a price tag in the low $20 range. In addition to pinot noir, Secret House also produces riesling, Müller-Thurgau, cabernet sauvignon, and sparkling wines affectionately known as sparklers. They also concoct a delicious red-blend wine called Vinotaboo — a blend of pinot noir and loganberry — that sells briskly.

The “Secret House” itself is a charming space in which to sample the Chappels’ complimentary wines, view local artwork, and purchase wine-related accessories. You can spring for a bottle of wine and go outside to one of many picnic areas to take in your surroundings. Walk the grounds and see first-hand the many agreeable locations for weddings, corporate events, and that family get-together on your list of to-dos. You’ll appreciate why Secret House Winery makes such a suitable outdoor music venue for Lane County.

Along the Lane County WineTrail, Secret House Winery is a must for the experience it offers. Feel free to don those fairy wings and celebrate art, music, and good wine.