A Unique Willamette Valley Vineyard

Lonesome Rock is a singular estate vineyard tucked into the rugged foothills west of Carlton, Oregon. Shaped by elevation, fractured volcanic soils, and the steady influence of coastal winds, this remote site produces expressive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier with precision, energy, and a distinct sense of place.

A Monopole in the Foothills of the Coast Range

Unlike most vineyards in the Willamette Valley, Lonesome Rock is what the French would call a monopole—an estate defined entirely by one continuous site with no twin. Isolated from neighboring plantings and farming decisions, the vineyard reflects a single vision from soil to bottle.

High elevation and exposure to cool marine air extend the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly while retaining freshness, tension, and aromatic complexity.

Terroir Defined by Elevation, Exposure, and Volcanic Soils

Volcanic Origins and Soil Structure

The vineyard is planted on fractured volcanic soils that are low in fertility and high in mineral content. These conditions naturally limit vigor, encouraging deep root systems and small, concentrated berries—ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of structure and longevity.

Aspect and Exposure

The vineyard spans a dramatic 270 degrees of exposure, including an uncommon north-facing parcel that contributes tension and freshness to the wines. The well-drained hillsides rise from approximately 575 to 780 feet in elevation, placing Lonesome Rock among the higher-elevation sites in the Willamette Valley.

Coastal Influence and Dramatic Diurnal Shifts

Elevation and proximity to the Coast Range expose the vineyard to steady marine airflow, resulting in pronounced diurnal temperature variation during the critical weeks of ripening. Daytime warmth builds flavor and phenolic maturity, while nighttime temperatures regularly fall by as much as 45 degrees, preserving acidity and aromatic lift.

These conditions slow the pace of ripening without stalling it—allowing sugars, acids, and tannins to develop incrementally and in balance.

Low Yields, Slow Ripening, and Natural Energy

Naturally low yields, combined with this extended ripening cycle, produce fruit of concentration without heaviness. The resulting wines retain electric acidity, structural clarity, and an uncommon potential for ageability—an expression shaped not by force, but by patience and place.

Farming with Long-Term Stewardship in Mind

At Lonesome Rock, farming decisions are guided by restraint and respect for the land. Vineyard practices prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability, ensuring the site can express itself clearly vintage after vintage.

Cover crops, thoughtful canopy management, and minimal intervention allow the vineyard to remain resilient while enhancing both fruit quality and ecological balance.

Farmed organically and committed to preserving the integrity of the land for future generations, we are certified LIVE sustainable (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), a testament to our rigorous adherence to practices that promote ecological balance and biodiversity.

From Vineyard to Glass

Because Lonesome Rock is estate-grown and estate-driven, each vintage offers a transparent view into the growing season. Variations in weather are not smoothed away; they are preserved, giving collectors and visitors a rare opportunity to experience how this remote hillside evolves over time.