Terroir is a French word for soil. Some winemakers use the phrase “gout de terroir” or “taste of soil” a reference to the earthy flavor of some wines. The use of this word not only includes reference to the type of soil but also to other factors that could influence the quality of the finished wine like altitude, plant position relative to the sun, vineyard angle of incline , and water drainage.

Quailhurst Vineyard Estate is located within the new Chehalem Mountains American Viticulture Area (AVA), approved by the Alcohol Tax & Trade Bureau. Wines made from grapes grown within the geographical boundaries of the Chehalem Mountains AVA may carry that designation on their label. The Quailhurst vineyard now totals approximately 15 acres and is situated on the foothills of the North Willamette Valley at elevations ranging from 575-650 feet. Our land is blessed with an unusual formation of pure Jory soil. These soils are in the foothills surrounding the Willamette Valley and are named after Jory Hill, Marion County, Oregon. Jory is derived from weathered basalt, whose source was the volcanic vents in Eastern, Oregon. Jory contains many important types of minerals which can contribute to the health, vitality and quality of plant material.

Quailhurst Vineyard Estate has reached a level of consistency and quality that clearly has “a signature of place.”