Cristom Vineyards
Cristom Vineyards, located in the Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, has established itself as a distinguished producer of premium wines, particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir. Founded in 1992 by Paul and Eileen Gerrie, Cristom combines traditional winemaking techniques with innovative practices to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of their estate vineyards.
The estate’s vineyards, each named after a member of the Gerrie family, are meticulously managed to produce distinctive wines. The Louise Vineyard, named after Paul Gerrie’s maternal grandmother, is known for its structured Pinot Noirs with dark fruit profiles and significant tannins. Jessie Vineyard, named for Paul’s paternal grandmother, produces wines with deep floral aromas and a robust, savory character. The Marjorie Vineyard is named after Marjorie McDaniel, the mother of founder Paul Gerrie. And at the top of the hill the Eileen Vineyard, named after Paul’s wife, is distinguished by its high elevation and maritime climate, yielding Pinot Noirs with intense flavors and vibrant acidity.
Cristom Vineyards is also committed to sustainable farming practices. The estate has been certified sustainable by LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) since 2007. This certification underscores Cristom’s dedication to environmental stewardship, which includes reducing synthetic inputs, protecting natural resources, and promoting biodiversity. In recent years, Cristom has begun transitioning to Biodynamic farming, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainability and ecological health.
A key figure in Cristom’s continued success is Daniel Estrin, who joined the team in 2019. Estrin brings a wealth of experience from his diverse winemaking background, which includes stints at renowned wineries such as Craggy Range in New Zealand, Mount Langi Ghiran in Australia, and Littorai Wines in Sonoma, where he apprenticed under Ted Lemon. His extensive knowledge of biodynamic and organic farming practices has been instrumental in advancing Cristom’s sustainable farming initiatives, aligning perfectly with the winery’s long-term vision for environmentally responsible viticulture.
Estrin’s arrival marks a significant step forward for Cristom, particularly in enhancing their Chardonnay program. His expertise, especially from his time at Littorai, has been crucial in elevating the quality and distinction of Cristom’s wines. Estrin’s role involves meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques, ensuring that each bottle of Cristom wine authentically represents the vineyard and vintage from which it originates.
Under the leadership of Tom Gerrie, the second-generation owner and winegrower, Cristom continues to innovate and build on its legacy. The winery produces around 18,000 cases annually, with a focus on Pinot Noir but also including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier, and Syrah. Cristom’s wines are celebrated for their complexity, elegance, and reflection of the Eola-Amity Hills terroir, making them a staple in the Oregon wine scene and beyond.
