Beacon Hill Vineyard

The Beacon Hill Vineyard, named for a lighthouse-like structure at the top of the hill, is the source of one of Soter's single-vineyard Pinot Noirs. It is located on the north fork of the Chehalem Valley, near Yamhill, Oregon, approximately 30 miles southwest of Portland. It is in the heart of the Willamette Valley's Yamhill-Carlton District.

Planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the vineyard totals 22 acres of gentle slopes, bounded by dense forest and farmlands. It sits at 300 feet in elevation, and is comprised of two soil types: the Willakenzie soil series and the Carlton soil series. These soils are sedimentary, 2-3 foot deep clay loams, over fractured siltstone and sandstone. Fossils are embedded in the wave-like sandstone subsoil. Perforated drain tiles are in place under the vineyard to optimize drainage and prevent erosion.

Rootstocks and Clones
(Click image at left for full-screen version)
About 25% of the vineyard's Pinot Noir vines are Pommard and Wadenswil clones, planted on their own roots in 1988. The remaining sources were planted in 1998, 1999, and 2004, and represent Tony Soter's highly-informed decisions - gleaned over the previous 25 years - about optimum vine density and "heirloom" clones, chosen for flavor potential over productivity. Moreover, these vines are on devigorating rootstocks, which offer the bonus of earlier ripening. Rigorous pruning and crop thinning keep yields under 2 tons per acre.

The Sale of Beacon Hill
After careful deliberation, the Soters decided to sell the Beacon Hill Vineyard, in the summer of 2005. The decision was predicated by the potential of the 250-acre Mineral Springs Ranch and the Soters' desire to realize that potential. In selling Beacon Hill, the Soters opened a new chapter in the history of their family domaine. Though Soter Vineyards will produce a Beacon Hill Pinot Noir through the 2006 vintage, Mineral Springs is now the home of Soter's estate vineyards, winery, tasting lodge, and eventually a family home.

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