The Wines…

Pinot Gris, Illahe Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2022

A nose of baked pear, graham cracker pie crust, fresh lemon zest, and chamomile. The palate transitions to flinty minerality and lively acidity and salinity from our marine soils.

Viognier , Illahe Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2022

With aromas of white peach, nectarine, dragon fruit, pineapple, jasmine, and sweet pea, this viognier jumps out of the glass. The palate is clean with vibrant acidity, and it has a refreshing finish. Pair with sunshine and picnics and feel free to enjoy spicy food. “Spring in a bottle.”

Chardonnay “Estate”, Illahe Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2022

The reserve chardonnay in 2023 comes mainly from Ash Creek and Nelson vineyards, with a tiny boost from the Woodworth vineyard on the top of Mt. Pisgah. It’s fermented 75% in oak, 40% of which is new oak, and gets stirred once a week. After primary, it undergoes partial malolactic fermentation.

Pinot Noir “Estate”, Illahe Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon,  2022

Illahe’s Pinot Noir displays a gorgeous nose of spiced dark fruits accented by a whisper of vanilla. The palate is full of dark red and black fruit flavors (cherry, plum, blackberry) mixed with baking spices and a touch of anise. This is a well-balanced Pinor Noir; its medium- to full body is supported by silky-smooth tannins and a delightful finishing acidity that is highlighted in its dazzling length. Enjoy with portobello steaks, fresh off the grill or dry-rubbed chicken wings.

Pinot Noir “Bon Sauvage Estate”, Illahe Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2018

The 2021 Bon Sauvage is a delicious step up from the already wonderful Willamette Valley pinot. The Bon Sauvage cuvee began as we practiced native fermentation and has been a part of our lineup since 2015. We use 25% new French oak which brings spice, chocolate, and vanilla to the background of a wine already brimming with fruit and floral aromas.

Pinot Noir “Percheron”, Illahe Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2019

This wine has notes of bergamot tea, bing cherry and rose, with a touch of wet basalt and orange peel. It also features hints of strawberry, Italian plum, hazelnut, clove, leather, and Oregon white truffle. It was aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak.

Pinot Noir  “Project 1899”, Illahe Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon,  2018

1899 is made entirely by hand without electricity in 100% new French oak barrels using 75% whole cluster grapes.

Brad and Bethany Ford

Brad and Bethany Ford have created something truly special at Illahe Winery, where their passion for exceptional wine and the land comes through in every bottle. Their wines are a beautiful reflection of the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley. Brad’s Pinot Noir is a standout—elegant, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of earthy complexity. They also craft a delicious Pinot Gris that’s crisp and refreshing, perfect for a summer day, and a stunning Chardonnay that’s a perfect balance of rich and bright. What really sets Illahe apart, though, is the way Brad and Bethany integrate their love for farming and animals into their work. They’ve got a pair of horses, Doc and Bea, who help out with vineyard maintenance in the most sustainable way possible. It’s clear that the Fords are all about respecting the land and creating wines that truly reflect their surroundings. Whether you’re there for a tasting or a tour of the vineyard, Brad and Bethany’s warmth and hospitality make the experience unforgettable. If you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss this place—great wines, great people, and a beautiful farm setting with a couple of very special horses.

Illahe is a local Chinook word meaning “earth” or “place” or “soil.” At Illahe, the goal is to make wine as naturally as possible, from soil to bottle. The estate vineyards were first planted in 1983; however, the Ford family has owned the farm since the 1940s. All work is done by hand on small lots with age-old techniques and materials. Some of their wines are made 100% by hand — the old-fashioned way — with no electricity or modern mechanization. Their vineyards cover 80 acres of south-facing vines that are planted primarily to Pinot Noir, but also Gamay, Tempranillo, Pinot Gris, Grüner Veltliner, and Viognier. Illahe is LIVE-certified and Salmon Safe, with cover crops planted throughout the vineyard to benefit the soil and increase biodiversity. Sulfur is used only to control disease, and the mature vines are dry-farmed. The winery at Illahe is gravity-fed and solar-powered to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Their commitment to the environment is second to none, and this love of the land and their vines comes through in their wines.