Iris Vineyards Through the Years

Milestones at Iris since our first plantings in 1996

Willamette Valley Wine at Iris Vineyards – The HiStory

Iris has consistently applied the principles of Areté from our first plantings in 1996 to expansion to over 12,000 cases in production. See the milestones through the history or our high-altitude winery in the Oregon Coast Range.

1970

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

1979

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.

1986-87

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.

1990

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

1992

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.

1995

Andrew Boyles is born.

1996

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

2001

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

2004

Arpad Walker takes over management of the Estate Vineyard.

2007

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