Oak Knoll Winery
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wine production |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Marjorie Vuylsteke, Ron Vuylsteke |
| Headquarters | Hillsboro , United States |
Area served | Willamette Valley AVA |
Key people | Greg Lint (president until 2022) |
| Products | Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Frambrosia raspberry wine, Niagara, Twilight Blush, Eruption |
Oak Knoll Winery operates as a privately owned wine producer situated in the Tualatin Valley, close to Hillsboro, Oregon, United States. Established in 1970 by entrepreneurs Marjorie and Ron Vuylsteke, it holds the distinction of being the oldest winery in Washington County. The winery's portfolio focuses on Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, and the distinctive Frambrosia raspberry wine. Rather than maintaining its own vineyards, Oak Knoll procures grapes from growers within the Willamette Valley region.
History
Originally founded on land that was once a dairy farm south of Hillsboro, Oak Knoll began when Ron Vuylsteke, an electrical engineer, and his wife started crafting wine in their garage after an excess of blackberries. Initial capital was provided by a silent investor. This establishment became Washington County’s inaugural winery and was among the first in the area to open a tasting room for visitors.
The winery's early output included 4,000 gallons of blackberry fruit wine, with its first Pinot noir vintage released in 1973. Chardonnay and Riesling varieties were introduced in 1975, followed by Pinot gris in 1990. By 1986, Oak Knoll had grown to become Oregon’s second-largest winery by production volume but slipped to third place by 1988. That year, The Washington Post acknowledged its Pinot noir as one of the finest wines available in the United States.
Expanding beyond traditional varietals, Oak Knoll developed fruit wines such as loganberry; notably, its Frambrosia raspberry wine received international acclaim when USA Today named it a top dessert wine in 1998. In 2005, ownership began transitioning partially to their sons Tom and John. By 2006, Oak Knoll had become Washington County’s largest winery, with an annual production nearing 30,000 cases.
Business
The winery sources its grapes exclusively from the Willamette Valley AVA to craft its selection of wines. Family-operated, Oak Knoll was under the leadership of president Greg Lint until his passing in September 2022. As recorded in 2007, the winery generated approximately $7.5 million in annual revenue and marketed several varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Niagara, and Pinot gris under its own label as well as brands such as Twilight Blush, Eruption, and Frambrosia. Additionally, Oak Knoll holds the official wine sponsorship for the Portland Rose Festival, which bolsters its visibility within the market.
Accolades
- Oak Knoll's wines have been served at the White House
- 1989 Oregon State Fair: Awarded two gold and four bronze medals
- 1990 Pacific Northwest Wine & Food Festival: Silver medal for its 1988 Chardonnay
- 1991 San Diego National Wine Competition: Gold medal for the 1988 Pinot noir
- 1998 Oregon State Fair: Earned one silver and two bronze medals
- 2001 Ranked tenth among Oregon’s Top 25 wineries by production volume
- 2003 Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition: Ninth place awarded for 2001 Pinot Gris
- 2006 The Dallas Morning News Wine Competition: Two bronze medals received
- 2007 Pacific Rim Wine Competition: Champion in white wine category for sweet Niagara grape wine