Shea Wine Cellars

Shea Vineyard, located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, was established by Dick and Deirdre Shea in the late 1980s. After being captivated by Oregon wine, the native New Yorkers took a bold step in investing in 100 acres of vineyard land in an unproven area. Over 30 years later, their passion for producing world-class grapes has not waned, with Shea Vineyard now recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sites in Oregon. Of the 155 planted acres, 149 are dedicated to Pinot Noir, and the remaining to Chardonnay, with 20% of the fruit used for their own Shea Wine Cellars, while 80% is sold to top winemakers in Oregon and California.

Shea Vineyard’s unique terroir, with its sedimentary soils over fractured sandstone, combined with sustainable farming practices certified by LIVE, contributes to the distinctive wines produced here. The vineyard is divided into three distinct sections: East Hill, West Hill, and Third Hill. East Hill, home to some of the oldest vines, produces fruit with notable natural acidity and balance, while the West Hill’s south-facing slopes are known for rich, structured wines. The youngest site, Third Hill, added in 2013, is an east-facing vineyard with rocky basalt soils, already showing great potential.

Peter Shea, the second generation involved in the family business, has been with the vineyard since he was a child, with a deep connection to the land and its story. His passion for winemaking lies in the unique opportunity to tell the tale of each vintage. Vineyard Manager Jesus Marin has been with Shea for nearly 30 years, rising from a field worker to a leadership role, and plays a crucial part in ensuring the quality of the vineyard’s fruit year after year.

Winemaker Dana Booth, with over 22 years of winemaking experience, joined Shea full-time in 2019. Having worked with the vineyard over several harvests, Dana brings a deep appreciation for the site’s natural beauty and the unique characteristics of the fruit. Together, the team continues to uphold the Sheas’ vision of producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that reflect the special terroir of Shea Vineyard.