A Private Willamette Valley Wine Tasting in Carlton, Oregon

Visit Lonesome Rock Cellars

Lonesome Rock Cellars offers private, owner-led wine tastings at our estate vineyard, tucked into the hills west of downtown Carlton, Oregon. Designed for guests who value a thoughtful, guided exploration of both the wines and the place that shapes them, each appointment offers an in-depth experience of our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the rare opportunity to engage directly with the people behind the farming, winemaking, and philosophy of the estate.

Each tasting includes a curated selection of current releases and, when available, library bottlings that reflect the evolution, structure, and longevity of our wines.

Lonesome Rock Cellars is a working vineyard, and tastings are offered by appointment only. We cannot accommodate walk-ins. For same-day availability, please text or call 847-308-9019, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Winter Tasting Appointments: Thursday-Sunday, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm (call/text if you’d like an alternative day/time)

Tasting Fee: $30 per person
Waived with a three-bottle purchase or Private Client Membership enrollment

The People & Place Behind Our Estate Wine Tastings

Every tasting at Lonesome Rock Cellars is hosted by Danny and Susan Klieman, whose path to this vineyard was shaped by years of learning, including time spent working in the vineyards and cellars of Burgundy, France. They welcome guests with a thoughtful exploration of the their wines and land, sharing how this hillside became the place where their long search for just the right piece of vineyard land finally came to rest. Read more about our story.

Danny & Susan Klieman - A rare opportunity to connect with the owners who host all tastings
Loading fruit onto the sorting table bin by bin
The whole family sorting tons of fruit by hand
The whole family sorting tons of fruit by hand
Welcome to the Tasting House!
Lonesome Rock The Estate Pinot Noir 2023
Crimson clover cover crop at Lonesome Rock - our inspiration for the label
Crimson clover cover crop at Lonesome Rock - our inspiration for the label
An unusually rainy day just before harvest
Winter views of the vineyard and Coast Range

Guest Reflections on Our Guided Wine Tasting Experience

“Lonesome Rock is an amazing place - the views, the wine, the PEOPLE!"
Susan gave us a personal tasting that was so very special. This was the highlight of our road trip from San Fransico to Portland - when asked what part of our trip was their favorite - everyone said “Lonesome Rock!”
We ordered a case of wine and it arrived perfectly safe to Minnesota.
~Dawn U.
"These were very serious wines and outright delicious"
We had such a great time at Lonesome rock, it was our last tasting of our trip. These were very serious wines and outright delicious. The tasting was wonderful extremely hospitable, and the view was absolutely magical.
~ Michael M.
"Wow, just wow. "
This family run winery is worth the visit. Danny was an entertaining host, and loved the story on how he and his wife Suzy came to own this place along with their passion for wine. The wine is really good and the deck views are amazing. We will definitely be coming back again!
~ Dave R.
"The Lonesome Rock experience is more than FIVE stars"
This wine is more than FIVE stars. The Lonesome Rock experience is more than FIVE stars. The location is more than FIVE stars. A truly phenomenal and uniquely Oregon experience in Yamhill. Visited 8 wineries and only joined Lonesome Rock.
~ Marlana M.

Location & Arrival: Visiting Our Wine Tasting House In Carlton, OR

Approximate Driving Times to Lonesome Rock from Nearby Cities

Nearby Towns

Carlton - 10 minutes

Yamhill - 15 Minutes

McMinnville - 20 minutes

Newberg - 30 Minutes

Dundee - 30 Minutes

Regional Cities

Salem - 55 Minutes

Portland - 1 Hour 10 Minutes

Eugene - 2 Hours

Beyond the Valley

Cannon Beach - 1 Hour 50 Minutes

Bend - 3 Hours 25 Minutes

Seattle - 4 Hours 10 Minutes

FAQs

- To avoid small, gravel roads, choose the route that takes you through the town of Carlton or via NW Meadow Lake Rd.
- The property is gated and there is no "Lonesome Rock" sign.
- Press the “call” button upon arrival so we can open the gate.
- Scroll down to see map
No. Lonesome Rock is appointment-only and we are unable to accommodate walk-ins. If you’d like a same-day tasting, please call or text us at 847-308-9019, and we will do our best to accommodate you if a table is available.
You can make a reservation up to 9:00 pm the day before your desired tasting. Please call or text 847-308-9019 if you are past this cutoff time. We will do our best to accommodate you if a table is available.
You will be charged at the end of your tasting.
We do not charge for cancelations, but we do appreciate advance notice if you need to cancel.
- Two tasting fees waived by signing up as a Private Client.
- One tasting fee waived with 3 bottle purchase.
- Complimentary tastings for Private Clients including 6 guests.
Our tastings typically run 90 minutes, but may go up to 2 hours.
We typically pour five wines at each tasting.
We allow dogs outside. If you will be bringing your dog, please let us know in advance through the pre-visit questionnaire you will receive when making your reservation.
Please make your reservation for the total number of people in your party including children and non-tasters so we can prepare your table appropriately. Let us know the number of non-tasters or children through the pre-visit questionnaire you will receive when you make your reservation. We will adjust your tasting fees on the day of your reservation and will not charge you for the non-tasters or children.
We offer a small snack with your tasting.
Absolutely. Many guests pick up lunch in Carlton from places like Blind Pig, Horseradish, or Park & Main before heading up to the vineyard.