Springhill Cellars

Outside this winery’s tasting room is a large bell, and beside the bell is a sign that states:

Springhill Hours:
Weekends 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Or by chance if you catch us ...
If you don’t find anyone, ring the bell.
If we hear it, we’ll run like heck.

With such a greeting, you know you are about to enter a relaxed and lighthearted tasting room. In this elongated, barrel-lined space, you’re encouraged to step up to the bar, engage the pourer, and taste the wine. No question is too naïve to ask, and all opinions are welcomed.

In essence, this key stop along the Benton County WineTrail is a reflection of its owner and winemaker, Mike McLain. Mike is an easygoing person, despite the multitude of winemaking, vine-growing challenges he faces with each vintage — especially the very fickle pinot noir. As the owner of two vineyards — the Springhill Cellars vineyard that borders the winery and another, 12-acre site in the Eola-Amity Hills viticultural area — he has a deep sense of the fruit that goes into barrel. It’s the challenge of showcasing each year’s unique fruit that holds his interest and keeps him sharp as a winemaker.

It also doesn’t hurt that Mike is the founder of the oldest real estate brokerage firm in the Willamette Valley specializing in winery and vineyard properties (McLain & Associates Vineyard Properties). For prospective buyers hoping to fulfill a dream of owning a winery/vineyard in the area, Mike is the person to know. His extensive knowledge of the Willamette Valley in general and its various viticultural areas in particular is an invaluable resource. If you want the details of Jory versus Willakenzie soils; temperature variations between hills and valleys; and what back roads to take to avoid farm trucks during harvest, Mike is the guy to see. No doubt, he could taste different pinot noirs blindfolded and tell you in what area of the valley the grapes grew.

Depending upon weather conditions, Springhill Cellars produces between 1,000 and 1,200 cases per year. Typically, the winery offers a couple of different estate pinot noirs, a pinot gris and a pinot noir rosé. Be sure you look at the artwork adorning the Springhill Cellars wine bottles. It is the work of artist neighbor Anna Tees, who specializes in paper collage art. When you enjoy a glass of Springhill Cellars pinot on one of the outside picnic tables, you can spot her house, which abuts the McLains’ property.