About the Maresh Red Hills Vineyard

History

A view lot in the country. That's what Jim and Loie Maresh were seeking in 1959 when they spotted a 27-acre hilltop orchard for sale in the Dundee Hills. The owner refused to sell only a view lot, so Jim and Loie reluctantly bought the whole farm. Pretty brave, or dumb, for a family of seven with no farming experience. Jim's closest exposure to agriculture was passing the Ag building at the University of Wisconsin on his way to his business classes.

The "view lot" eventually expanded to 140 acres as adjacent farms were placed up for sale. All the orchards slowly gave way to vineyards, starting in 1970 when Jim and Loie met Dick Erath. He convinced them to plant wine grapes, spawning the fifth vineyard in Oregon and the first vineyard on Worden Hill Road.

Today, the Maresh family grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, White Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, mostly south slope, 500 feet to 200 feet, on Jory soils.


Maresh Red Hills Vineyard Retreat, P.O. Box 401, Dundee, Oregon 97115
Telephone: (503) 538-7034

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