Background Information
Cooper Mountain Vineyards rests on the slopes of an ancient volcano. From thousands of years of erosions come the unique terrain, soils and characteristics that make our wines unique. The site of our vineyards covers much of the land once farmed by Oregon pioneers who took to the unique location and despite its challenges and lack of water, made it home as they worked the land. Cooper Mountain is one of rich heritage. We are proud to be part of its story.
In 1978 Cooper Mountain Vineyards began when Dr. Bob Gross and his wife Corrine planted the first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. The two of them tended the vines and carefully nurtured them as they established in the unique soils of Cooper Mountain.
The vines were well cared for and matured gracefully to produce true Oregon Pinots. At first the fruit was sold to other wineries to be crafted into wine by some of Oregon's finest winemakers. In 1987 Cooper Mountain Winery opened to offer its first vintage to the public and began a quest that has led us to 123 acres, five varietals, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Tocai Friulano and a commitment to alternative farming practices that benefits the environment and ultimately assists in crafting authentic wines.
Our Vineyards
We are fortunate in that we have 123 acres divided among four very different vineyard sites. From a 600 foot elevation with shallow volcanic soil to rich flood plane that first brought farmers to Oregon we have vineyards that provide diverse flavors and characteristics that give our winemaker many tools.
Grabhorn
Our oldest vineyards are located just off Grabhorn Road on Beaverton’s Western edge. Grabhorn consists of 30 acres on an extinct volcano at nearly 700 feet in elevation. Plantings include Pommard clone Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 108 clone, and Pinot Gris. Soils on this site have been defined as Laurelwood.
Meadowlark
At 300 feet in elevation these 38 acres are planted in Pommard clone Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 108 clone, Chardonnay Dijon clone and Pinot Gris.
Farmington
Twenty acres of this vineyard are at just about sea level and planted in Pommard clone Pinot Noir, two Dijon clones of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Dijon clone, Pinot Gris and a small lot of true Pinot Blanc clone. Soils here offer the rich sediments of the Willamette Valley floor with centuries of river and flood sediments.
Johnson School
Our newest vineyard offers plantings of Dijon clones of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Our Offerings
We produce three tiers of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay as well as a single bottling of Pinot Blanc.
Introduced in 2004 our former Estate Tier is now under the label of Cooper Hill. The new label represents an affordable, everyday drinking wine.
Our Reserve tier represents a collection of well-rounded and balanced wines that are easy to pair with foods or enjoyed by themselves. If wine consisted of pictures, these wines would show you the depths of our varied terroir and the elements within it.
Premium blends, vineyard designates and special selections are found under our Five Elements tier. This set consists of the best of Cooper Mountain Vineyards, which means variance from vintage-to-vintage in regards to the wines available. Generally, our Meadowlark Vineyards are available each vintage with such selections as Mountain Terroir, Doctor’s, Vin Glace, and Old Vines being available only when our winemaker deems it a sound vintage.
2009 Vintage Case Production
Pinot Noir 9,000
Pinot Gris 6,500
Chardonnay 800
Pinot Blanc 100
Tocai Friulano 200