Iris Vineyards Through the Years

Richard’s love of winemaking is kindled making wine with his grandmother during his teen years on their farm near Roseburg, OR.

Richard and Pamela graduate from the University of Oregon where they met.  Their dream is to one day own and operate a winery and vineyard. 

Pamela and Richard live and work in Germany and Switzerland. They travel to vineyards and wineries throughout Europe on the weekends, developing their palates and tasting through a wide variety of Old World wine. 

Pamela and Richard move back to Eugene, Oregon, to start a family and lay the groundwork for the Willamette Valley winery.  

Amalia, Pamela and Richard’s first child, is born, and the family purchases 870 acres of newly logged land in the Southern Willamette Valley.  The property includes 100 acres of Jory, Belpine, Dupee soils.  500 acres of Douglas fir trees are planted on the property.

Andrew Boyles is born.

The first Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay vines are planted to start the vineyard.

The first vintage is produced under the label Iris Hill Winery.  

Arpad Walker takes over management of the Estate Vineyard.

A former manufacturing building in Cottage Grove, OR is purchased and converted into Iris’ wine production facility at 195 Palmer Ave in Cottage Grove.

Winemaker Aaron Lieberman joins the Iris team.

The next era of vineyard development begins in May 2008 with the planting of the first Pinot noir vines in C block.

The Estate Tasting Room is opened at the vineyard.

David Cordtz joined the Team as General manager.

The pandemic prompted the closing of the winery’s tasting room in the hils.

Iris Vineyards opens new Wine Bar in downtown Springfield Oregon.