Alison and Alex Sokol Blosser
Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser founded Sokol Blosser Winery in 1971, when they purchased a fruit tree orchard in Dundee Hills, Ore., and began replanting to grapevines in 1997. Today, the winery is run by the couple’s children, Allison and Alex Sokol Blosser.
The winery has two labels, Sokol Blosser Winery and Evolution Wines, and 88 acres planted to pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, pinot gris, and muller thurgau. The family opened its original tasting room, designed by John Storrs, in 1978. In 2013, it opened a new tasting room, designed by Brad Cloepfil (founder of Allied Works), and the original now serves as a clubhouse for winery club members.
The new room shows off the estate’s terroir, with picture windows and a living roof. “It feels like you’re in the vineyard whether you’re inside or out,” says Lita Holmes, tasting room manager. “And the structure is both natural and functional, with lots of wood inside and a roof that fits into the ecosystem.”
The winery offers seated tasting experiences inside or on the patio. There are also daily 90-minute tours and summer vineyard hikes on Sundays. “Our most elevated experience is called Farm and Forage, with our onsite chef, Henry Kibit, Thursdays through Saturdays. It’s an intimate experience that includes the basics of food and wine pairing, as well as the stories behind the winery and its wines. Much of the food is foraged from the estate,” says Holmes.
So what sets this tasting room apart from the rest? “The people,” says Holmes. “We have a great group that really cares about its guests. And everything is onsite: the tasting rooms, winery, gardening program, farm, cats, a goat, chickens. It’s our own little world, and it’s second-generation family-owned—a rarity these days.
“We’re really grateful to the voters, and glad people feel happy and welcome here. That’s what we want,” she says.
